In a conversation with Serhiy Zhadan on Radio Khartia, Oleksandr Kamyshin, the President of Ukraine's strategic advisor, shared updates on the country's drone production progress.
According to Kamyshin, Ukraine has significantly increased its production of strike drones. In 2016, there was only a single prototype, whereas by spring 2023, hundreds of such drones were operational. By 2025, Ukraine plans to produce 30,000 long-range drones, meaning dozens will be deployed on combat missions daily.
"The president's task for this year is 30,000 long-range drones, and this task will be fulfilled," he stated.
He emphasized that these long-range drones conducting the strikes are entirely Ukrainian-developed and manufactured.
According to Reuters estimates, strikes on Russian oil refineries have disabled up to 15% of their oil processing capacity, significantly impacting the aggressor state's economy, as the oil industry remains its primary revenue source.
Kamyshin highlighted that these technologies could become a strategic export product for Ukraine. Long-range drones serve as a deterrent weapon that could attract international partners.
Despite Russia's extensive air defense systems, the refinery strikes have exposed their vulnerabilities. Ukrainian drones successfully bypass defenses, striking critical targets with precision.
Ukraine’s campaign against Russian oil refineries has been informally dubbed "Y*bash Neft," a play on Russia’s oil company "Bashneft." It serves as a reminder that Russia’s strategic weakness lies in its dependence on oil exports.
