The Times Gains Access to Mad Yar's Drone Battalion Amid Two-Week Assault on Moscow

Kairos Battalion Strikes Deep Inside Russia

According to ХВИЛЯ: Reporters from The Times have been granted rare access to the Kairos Battalion, part of the 414th Brigade known as the Birds of Mad Yar, which has been actively targeting locations within Russia, including Moscow. Over the past two weeks, the unit has launched long-range drones deep into enemy territory, hitting strategic assets. During these missions, fighters refrain from alcohol, keep their work hidden from loved ones, and undergo regular polygraph tests to maintain operational security.

On June 19, residents of Moscow witnessed smoke rising from a burning oil refinery. Just 12 days earlier, delegates at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum observed smoke from a blazing oil terminal in Saint Petersburg. In the last week alone, the Kairos Battalion struck eight oil and gas facilities, factories producing precision components for missiles and rocket fuel, and military depots across 12 regions of Russia. The unit’s farthest-reaching drones have traveled at least 1,500 kilometers from the border.

Kairos Battalion’s Tactics and Objectives

Before targeting Moscow, the Kairos Battalion spent two months systematically destroying Russian air defense systems on the approaches to the capital. Over roughly 200 days of operations, the unit has hit about 200 targets. Long-range drone attacks have quadrupled, while medium-range strikes have surged 28-fold compared to last year. The battalion includes foreign fighters-among them Britons, Americans, Europeans, and even one Japanese national-some of whom are former special forces operators.

The battalion’s commander, who uses the call sign Ray, stated:

'We are trying to make the war too expensive for them to continue, pushing them toward peace.'

He added:

'We have been operating as a battalion for about 200 days, and in that time, we have struck roughly 200 targets.'

A company commander with the call sign Panama remarked: 'We are making history.' He noted that just a few years ago, Russia’s president claimed he would conquer Ukraine in three days-but now he sees 'Russia burning.' Another brigade officer, call sign Ruberoid, explained: 'This is revenge for our brothers who were civilians with dreams, but were killed.' He emphasized: 'When you feel the war burning on your doorstep, you perceive it completely differently than when you just watch a picture on TV.'

On Thursday, a Russian strike on Kyiv killed at least 30 people and wounded 90 others. These events highlight the complex and tense situation in the region, where the Kairos Battalion continues its active intervention in the conflict.

The situation in and around Ukraine remains extremely volatile, with active military operations affecting both sides. The Kairos Battalion demonstrates a growing capacity for long-range strikes, signaling an evolution in Ukrainian tactics. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities-as seen in the tragedy in Kyiv-continue to inflict heavy civilian casualties. This underscores the urgent need for pathways to peace and stability in the region.

The ongoing operations of the Kairos Battalion highlight a broader shift in Ukraine's military strategy, particularly regarding targeted strikes. As Ukraine adapts its approach, recent developments regarding attacks on Crimea illustrate this evolving military doctrine. To understand how these strategies are being implemented, explore the details of Ukraine's standalone military strategy for Crimea.