Escalating Ukraine–Russia Air War

CNN reports that Ukraine is redefining modern warfare through an expansive, data-driven drone campaign against Russia. Using drone strike data and an interview with a Ukrainian drone manufacturer, the piece highlights Kyiv’s rapid scaling of unmanned systems, strategic targeting deep inside Russian territory, and the integration of low-cost, adaptable technology to offset conventional military disadvantages—signaling a broader shift in air warfare tactics and defense planning.

Russia launched waves of drones and ballistic missiles across Ukraine overnight, striking multiple targets. At least four people were killed in Kyiv and around 40 were wounded nationwide, according to CNN, which shared dramatic footage of the strikes.

Russia launched a large-scale assault on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, with air defense crews racing to combat ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. Multiple fires were reported in Kyiv, including at a 16-story apartment block, with at least three people injured. The attack is part of a broader escalation, with Russia having launched over 1,000 drones per week at Ukraine in recent months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia has used nearly 27,700 aerial bombs, 11,200 Shahed drones, and over 700 missiles against Ukraine since the start of the year. The attack comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned US President Trump that Russia would retaliate against Ukraine for a recent drone attack on Russian airfields.