Long-Range Drones of Ukraine's GUR: New Capabilities for Strikes on Russia
Operatives from Ukraine's Defense Intelligence (GUR) long-range drone unit are actively hitting targets inside Russia with cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles. Among these are the Liutyi and Ad drones, designed for attacks over vast distances. The Liutyi is Ukraine's first drone capable of flying more than 1,000 kilometers, while Ukrainian UAVs overall can cover up to 3,500 kilometers. The arsenal also includes jet-powered drones that function like cruise missiles.
According to reports, GUR personnel launch hundreds of UAVs daily, including decoy drones without warheads. This tactic forces the enemy to respond to multiple threats simultaneously, creating additional attack opportunities. As the unit's commander, call sign Vektor, explained:
“In other words, any part of Russia up to the Urals is within our reach.”
How Ukrainian Drones Are Reshaping Russia's Defense Strategies
A notable milestone occurred on May 29, when Russia declared its first nationwide air alert across the entire Ural region since the full-scale war began. Sirens sounded even in areas more than 2,000 kilometers from Ukraine's border. This shows that Ukrainian operations are forcing Russian forces to respond to threats previously considered out of range.
The Ad drone, a new development that reaches speeds of 700 to 1,000 kilometers per hour, operates as a missile. A GUR soldier with the call sign Lohist noted:
“Right now I'm calibrating an antenna that is especially vulnerable to enemy air defense. We'll also load a warhead into this drone that will delight our adversaries.”
The Liutyi drone carries a warhead weighing 50 to 70 kilograms and can travel 1,500 to 1,700 kilometers, depending on conditions. The fight against Russian air defense is a learning process on both sides. As Lohist put it: “Unfortunately, the enemy learns just like we do. But we're always one step ahead.” GUR fighters constantly simulate various enemy responses and adapt their tactics accordingly.
It is also worth noting that in March 2026, Ukraine's defense forces deployed more attack drones against Russia than the Russian army used to strike Ukraine. This highlights the effectiveness of new technologies being integrated into Ukrainian military operations.
Vektor emphasized: “We see them pulling assets to Moscow, then to St. Petersburg, then shifting them elsewhere. Right now, there are big windows and corridors where hundreds of our birds fly through and successfully hit targets.” These actions confirm that Ukrainian drones can deliver significant blows, forcing the enemy to take defensive measures.
Overall, the battlefield situation reveals new technological dimensions to the war. Vektor remarked: “It's gratifying that the Russians are starting to understand. When war is far away, you can fantasize and march in parades. But now we're happy because, for the first time since 1945, Russia didn't hold a parade—partly due to drone strikes.”
This news underscores the growing role of drone technology in modern warfare, a key element of Ukraine's strategy. Strikes on Russian territory reflect a shift in tactics and Ukraine's ability to adapt to new conditions, escalating tensions and forcing Russia to rethink its defense plans. Given these developments, the conflict's dynamics and future military operations may be significantly affected.
The impact of Ukrainian drones extends beyond direct strikes, as they also create significant disruptions to supply routes in occupied regions. This logistical lockdown complicates the movements of Russian forces, illustrating how the capabilities of UAVs are reshaping not only tactical engagements but also broader operational strategies in the conflict.