413th Unmanned Systems Regiment 'RAID'

Ukraine's new mid-range strike drones are enabling operators to attack Russian logistics and military targets up to 100 miles behind the front lines, areas previously considered safe. Ukrainian officials and soldiers describe the operations as a 'free hunt' due to limited Russian defenses in these zones, disrupting supply chains and creating chaos for Russian forces.

Ukraine's drone operators face significant risks similar to frontline soldiers, being targeted by Russian forces. They often engage in direct combat and experience psychological trauma, contradicting perceptions of their role as safer. Drones are critical to Ukraine's strategy, causing a majority of Russian front-line losses.

Ukraine's 'e-Points' system rewards soldiers for hitting strategic Russian targets, enabling units to purchase drones and military gear. The system incentivizes targeting rear-area infrastructure and logistics, shifting focus from immediate frontline threats to high-value objectives.

Ukraine's front lines have become a drone-saturated 'kill zone' where military assets are rapidly destroyed, with some areas extending up to 50 kilometers. Officials describe it as a persistent, expanding threat where vehicles and equipment face immediate destruction.