Ukraine doing better than expected … but still needs help

Newcomers to the news often focus on what they perceive as the story of the day – frequently overlooking major developments. They tend to ignore stories that don’t align with their political biases. We’ve seen days-long, front-page coverage of the results—or lack thereof—of American attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. Yet, there’s been comparatively little attention paid to Putin’s brutal war on Ukraine.

For those interested, I’ve taken a deeper look at the war in Ukraine. At this moment, it is not going well for Russian President Putin. Ukraine’s military has proven itself to be highly adept and creative in its response to the invasion.

We should first recall that President Biden’s initial policy on military aid to Ukraine was too little/too late. He began by providing only defensive weapons. When he eventually sent more powerful arms, it was with the condition that Ukraine not strike inside Russia. For nearly two years, the war played out across the devastated plains of the Donbas, along the fractured coastlines of the Black Sea, and in once-bustling Ukrainian cities reduced to rubble.

However, what began as a territorial defense has evolved into an inventive and far-reaching offensive military campaign. Ukraine is now pushing beyond traditional front lines, carrying out daily strikes on military assets, infrastructure, and even civilian nerve centers deep inside Russia – including Moscow. The battlefield now encompasses all of Russia.

Sevastopol In March 2024, Ukraine launched a massive missile strike on Sevastopol, hitting four Russian ships—including two Ropucha-class landing ships, the Kostiantyn Olashansky (a previously captured Ukrainian vessel), and the Ivan Hurs intelligence ship. These strikes reduced Russia’s amphibious capabilities by 15 percent.

Kursk Despite Biden’s ban—and following his withdrawal from the presidential race—Ukrainian forces entered Russian territory. On August 6, Ukraine launched a surprise cross-border offensive into Russia’s Kursk Oblast. Within days, they had taken control of over 425 square miles and 82 settlements, including Sudzha, Snagost, and Plekhovo – and also captured hundreds of Russian prisoners of war. Despite a major Russian counteroffensive, Ukraine holds 35 square miles of Mother Russia.

War Comes to Moscow In mid-2024, the war reached Moscow. In June, a drone exploded near a residential high-rise in the Krasnogorsk District, igniting fires on the 17th floor, injuring two, and forcing the evacuation of over 100 residents. Russia condemned the strike as terrorism; Ukraine neither confirmed nor denied responsibility. In August 2024, Ukraine launched what Russian officials described as “one of the largest drone attacks ever” across Russia. Eleven drones reached Moscow, forcing temporary closures of Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky airports. Though there were no civilian casualties, the symbolism was powerful: Ukraine was no longer just defending territory—it was striking at the heart of Russia’s war machine and national psyche.

Ramenskoye In September, Moscow was again attacked by Ukrainian drones. Residents awoke to the buzzing of drones over the Ramenskoye District. Debris rained down, killing one woman, injuring three others, and damaging or destroying dozens of homes. Major airports were shut down. It was the largest drone attack on Moscow to date—a stark reminder that distance no longer guarantees safety.

Victory Day In May 2025, as Russia prepared for its Victory Day celebrations with an A-list of international guests, Ukraine launched 23 drones in two waves, targeting Moscow’s outer defenses and causing airport closures. The timing was strategic—aimed at undermining Russian morale and embarrassing Putin by demonstrating Ukraine’s ability to strike even during major patriotic events.

Operation Spider Web As I had reported in a previous commentary, Ukraine’s military actions became more creative, more shocking, and more successful in May of 2025. In Operation Spider Web, Ukraine deployed 117 kamikaze drones to attack three major Russian airbases—one more than 6,000 miles from the Ukrainian border. The strikes destroyed 12 of Russia’s premier Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers at Belaya Air Base. Another 20 warplanes were damaged or destroyed at Dyagilevo and Ivanovo airbases. The estimated cost: $7 billion in military hardware.

Moscow Again In March 2025, Ukraine struck Moscow once more. More than 90 drones penetrated Russian air defenses, inflicting major damage on residential towers in the Sapronovo and Ramenskoye districts—confirming that Moscow is now a warzone.

More Attacks In May 2025, Ukraine destroyed a Russian armored hangar using drone-guided artillery, eliminating a T-72 tank, a BMD-2 IFV amphibious vehicle, and several logistical vehicles—an estimated $4 million in losses. In June, Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian landing vessel carrying troops along the western Kherson coast. Aerial footage showed the boat engulfed in flames after a direct hit. Ukraine’s drone barrages have also targeted oil depots and military installations in Rostov and Volgograd, as well as radar and communication hubs in Kursk and Bryansk.

Headlines Reflect the Shift Recent media headlines underscore Ukraine’s growing capabilities:

• National Security Journal: “Moscow Is ‘Rocked by Wave Explosions’ from Ukraine Drone Attacks.” The article noted that in 2025 alone, Ukrainian drones caused over 217 temporary airport closures across Russia—more than the previous two years combined.
• Daily Express: “Nightmare for Putin as ‘50,000 troops pinned down’ by Ukraine in failed Russian offensive.” The report cited Ukraine’s success in halting Russia’s advance in the northern Sumy region.
• Mirror US: “Russia hits grim milestone in number of troops killed in Ukraine invasion.” According to Ukraine’s General Staff, “Russia has lost over 1,020,000 soldiers since February 2022. Equipment losses include 10,980 tanks, 22,922 armored vehicles, 53,593 transport and fuel vehicles, 29,718 artillery systems, and 42,796 drones—plus 28 ships and one submarine”.

Summary Ukraine’s drone campaign inside Russia—once unthinkable—has become standard operating procedure. Russia is no longer a sanctuary. The traditional frontlines of tanks and trenches have blurred. Russia’s heartlands, once considered untouchable, are now live combat zones. Ukraine’s doctrine of offensive disruption has proven effective—both materially and psychologically. No fuel depot, airport, or city is off-limits.

The war has shifted from territorial to existential. Ukraine’s drone strikes have demonstrated the power of asymmetric warfare. For every bomb Russia launches at Ukrainian cities, Kyiv responds with $20,000 drones — targeting billion-dollar military assets, supply chains, and critical infrastructure.

Beyond the physical damage, Ukraine’s drone warfare is delivering a psychological blow—shaking Russian morale while bolstering Ukrainian resolve. Today, not all air raid sirens are sounding in Ukraine.

However, this does not mean Ukraine is winning the war. That remains an open question. Putin operates without moral concern for Russian casualties or economic consequences. That is why NATO and the United States must provide Ukraine with whatever it needs to prevail.

So, there ‘tis.

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