Unmanned Systems Forces

Ukrainian drones struck approximately 90 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov over seven days, targeting a 'shadow fleet' of oil tankers to disrupt fuel supplies to Crimea. The campaign aims to cut oil export revenue, a key source of funding for Moscow's budget, with Ukraine asserting the ships are legitimate military targets.

Ukrainian military officials reported a drone campaign targeting Russian maritime logistics in the Sea of Azov. The Unmanned Systems Forces struck 90 Russian vessels, including tankers, tugboats, ferries, and dry cargo ships, between July 6 and July 12. The General Staff stated these vessels support Russian military logistics and transport petroleum products to bypass international sanctions.

Ukraine will commemorate an annual 'Unmanned Systems Forces Day' on June 11 to honor its drone warfare branch, established in February 2024. President Zelenskyy claimed the force caused $40 billion in Russian losses in one year, targeting logistics and border regions with mid-range strike drones.

Ukraine has developed a massive drone force with 25,000 to 40,000 active combat UAV pilots and 80,000 total personnel in drone operations. The force includes the Unmanned Systems Forces and dedicated units across over 100 maneuver brigades, surpassing the 15,000 non-North American NATO drone pilots.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko responded to Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces commander Robert 'Magyar' Brovdi's statement about mapping 500 military targets in Belarus by warning of a 'very serious' high-priority target across the border. Lukashenko's response included threats of nuclear and counter-strike measures.

Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces conducted a deep-strike operation, damaging a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker and the Kurgannefteprodukt oil depot in Taganrog, among 23 military and strategic targets. The attack occurred overnight into May 30.