Ukraine’s kamikaze drones: A game-changer in the war against Russia?
The war between Russia and Ukraine has entered its second year, with no end in sight. The conflict, which began with Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and its support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, has escalated into a full-scale invasion by Russian forces, who have seized large parts of the country and threatened to capture the capital, Kyiv.
The international community has condemned Russia’s aggression and imposed sanctions, but has failed to stop its advance or to protect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The US and its allies have provided some military aid and training to Ukraine, but have refrained from sending lethal weapons or troops, fearing a direct confrontation with Russia and a wider war.
In this dire situation, Ukraine has shown remarkable resilience and innovation, using its own resources and ingenuity to defend itself and to strike back at Russia. One of the most striking examples of this is Ukraine’s use of kamikaze drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are loaded with explosives and designed to crash into enemy targets.
According to retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, a former commander of US Army Europe and a CNN military analyst, Ukraine has been able to acquire and operate these drones, which are made by Turkey, despite a pause in US military aid due to the ongoing investigation into the 2020 election interference¹. He praised Ukraine’s use of these drones to strike Russian targets, such as the oil terminal in the Gulf of Finland, which he called a “fascinating” and “asymmetric” tactic¹.
Kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions or suicide drones, are not new in warfare. They have been used by various actors, such as Israel, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, in recent conflicts in the Middle East and the Caucasus. However, Ukraine’s use of these drones against Russia is significant for several reasons.
First, it demonstrates Ukraine’s ability to adapt and innovate in the face of a superior adversary. Ukraine has been able to procure these drones from Turkey, a NATO ally of the US, and to integrate them into its own command and control system. Ukraine has also developed its own domestic drones, such as the Neptune, which can carry anti-ship missiles and target Russian naval assets.
Second, it shows Ukraine’s willingness to take risks and to inflict damage on Russia. Kamikaze drones are relatively cheap and easy to operate, but they are also unpredictable and prone to failure. They can be shot down by air defenses, jammed by electronic warfare, or intercepted by other drones. They can also cause collateral damage and civilian casualties, as well as environmental harm. However, Ukraine has decided to use these drones as a means of deterrence and retaliation, hoping to inflict enough pain on Russia to make it reconsider its aggression.
Third, it challenges Russia’s dominance and exposes its vulnerabilities. Russia has a formidable military, with advanced weapons and systems, such as the S-400 air defense system, the Iskander ballistic missile, and the Kalibr cruise missile. However, these weapons are also expensive and complex, and require a lot of maintenance and support. Kamikaze drones, on the other hand, are cheap and simple, and can evade or overwhelm Russia’s defenses. They can also target Russia’s critical infrastructure and assets, such as oil and gas facilities, power plants, military bases, and ships, and disrupt its economy and security.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s use of kamikaze drones is a game-changer in the war against Russia. It is a sign of Ukraine’s resilience and innovation, as well as its determination and courage. It is also a challenge and a threat to Russia, which has to face a new and unpredictable enemy. It is not clear whether these drones will be enough to stop or reverse Russia’s aggression, or whether they will escalate the conflict and provoke a stronger response. However, they are certainly a factor that Russia cannot ignore or dismiss.
The international community should support Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself and to seek a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The US and its allies should provide more assistance to Ukraine, such as sanctions, weapons, and intelligence, and show a united front against Russian aggression. They should also engage in diplomatic dialogue with Russia, and urge it to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to abide by the UN Charter and international law.
The war in Ukraine is not only a regional crisis, but also a global challenge. It affects the security and stability of Europe and the world, and the values and principles of democracy and human rights. It is time for the world to stand with Ukraine, and to work for a just and lasting peace.
