Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that over 80% of all Ukrainian military strikes against Russian forces are now conducted using drones. This figure highlights the increasing reliance on drone technology in the ongoing conflict, marking a significant shift in battlefield tactics.
At an awards ceremony for Ukrainian drone units, Zelenskyy stated that the “overwhelming majority” of the drones deployed in these strikes are produced locally. According to his office, Ukrainian forces struck approximately 820,000 targets with drones in 2025. This statistic represents one of the highest official estimates regarding drone involvement in military operations in Ukraine.
The reliance on drones has grown substantially since earlier reports in spring 2025, when Ukrainian officials estimated that around 70% of Russian casualties could be attributed to drone strikes. This evolution in warfare underscores the critical role of technology in modern combat strategies.
Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of innovation, stating that “everything is becoming extremely dependent” on how quickly Ukraine can adapt and develop new technologies. He pointed out that while infantry and artillery remain vital, the shift towards drone warfare is reshaping military operations.
In a statement, Zelenskyy mentioned a new bonus-based system designed to reward drone units for effectively documenting their battlefield engagements. Each confirmed strike is recorded, which aids in verifying hits and assessing military performance. The points earned through this system can be exchanged for equipment, thereby incentivizing drone operators to maximize their effectiveness.
Ukrainian drone units have claimed responsibility for neutralizing 35,000 Russian soldiers in December alone. Maj. Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, indicated that his units accounted for approximately one-third of all drone strikes, resulting in an average of 388 casualties per day during that month.
Previously, Mykhailo Fedorov, who now serves as Ukraine’s defense minister, estimated that up to 90% of battlefield kills could be attributed to drones as early as August 2025. His earlier role as the minister for digital transformation provided him with insights into the evolving landscape of military technology.
In terms of production, Ukraine aimed to manufacture around 2.5 million first-person-view drones last year, with some estimates suggesting the potential to reach 4.5 million. While specific production numbers for 2025 have not been disclosed, the Ukrainian government is actively working to expand its domestic drone manufacturing capabilities. This effort is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign components, particularly those sourced from China.
As the conflict continues, Ukraine’s emphasis on drone warfare reflects a significant transformation in military strategies, highlighting the growing importance of technology in modern conflicts. Zelenskyy’s remarks and the statistics presented illustrate not only the efficiency of drone strikes but also the innovative steps being taken by Ukraine to strengthen its defense capabilities.
