Ukraine Strikes as Russia Expands Long-Range Drone Bases

Ukraine has stepped up long-range drone strikes on Russia, with reports of nearly 800 drones launched against Moscow and additional strikes across Ukrainian frontlines. Russia says it has shot down hundreds of these drones and continues missile strikes that have killed civilians in Kharkiv. Western-linked Shahed drones are proliferating and evolving, including Geran-4 and Geran-5 variants, making interception more difficult and contributing to civilian casualties such as the Chernihiv supermarket attack. Kyiv officials say the cross-border drone campaigns aim to pressure Moscow politically, even as front lines remain largely static and air defenses face shortages of interceptors like Patriot batteries. Britain and other Western supporters face new scrutiny after reports that British-made drones were used in strikes inside Russia, prompting Moscow to warn of consequences and escalation. The conflict’s aerial dimension has surged civilian harm and raised questions about defense effectiveness and potential Crimea-related implications.