Ukrainian intelligence warns of threat of intensified Russian drone terror in frontline oblasts

Russian forces have been ordered to intensify drone strikes on civilian infrastructure and vehicles in frontline areas and border zones.

Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "Real-time controlled drones such as Molniya-1, Molniya-2, Geran-Seeker, Gerbera-Seeker, Lancet, V2U and other similar unmanned systems are planned to be used to search for and hit targets."

Details: DIU specified that the command of the Russian Armed Forces has ordered intensified strikes on petrol stations, lorries, buses and passenger vehicles.

DIU says the executors of these orders have been designated as the Rubikon advanced unmanned systems centre and external pilots of Russia's frontline units.

DIU noted that the low level of crew training is already leading to incidents in which Russian operators mistakenly attack their own forces and civilians. Operators of the 1427th Motor Rifle Regiment of the Russian Armed Forces, having lost their bearings, directed a Molniya-2 at a civilian UAZ Bukhanka van near the settlement of Glushkovo in Russia's Kursk Oblast. The drone detonated approximately 10 metres from the vehicle.

Additionally, the intelligence service reports that Russian drone operators on the Zaporizhzhia front mistakenly hit a pickup truck carrying their own troops.

Quote: "One way or another, the order from Russian commanders to intensify drone terror in frontline oblasts poses a real threat to Ukraine's civilian population."

Background:

• Radio technology expert Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov previously reported that Russian forces are shifting from massive Shahed strikes to selective attacks, increasingly using jet-powered modifications of these drones for strikes on rear areas of Ukraine.
• Flash also reported on upgrades that Ukrainian troops have been detecting on Molniya strike UAVs. A Molniya without a control antenna attacked a Ukrainian facility. In his assessment, this may indicate the development of autonomous UAV capabilities. Russian forces have also begun to deploy an autonomous AI-powered version of the Molniya strike drone in Zaporizhzhia en masse.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon to help us keep reporting!