Russia scrambles to shield Moscow and Krasnodar from Ukrainian drone swarms
Russian soldiers in central Moscow, May 4, 2026 (Photo: REUTERS)
Russia is deploying additional forces in anticipation of Ukrainian drone strikes, particularly in Moscow and Krasnodar Krai, AFU Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky wrote, citing a military intelligence report on Russian UAVs, on May 8.
Syrsky stated that Russia is expanding production of jet-powered military drones and is planning on producing 7.3 million FPV drones and 7.8 million components for various types of combat drones by 2026.
“We see this, we analyze it, and we are factoring it into our plans,” he added.
Besides the approved plan, the enemy is urgently deploying four additional regiments, 24 divisions, and 162 batteries in anticipation of Ukrainian drone strikes, Syrsky noted.
Russia is focusing on strengthening layered air defenses in Moscow and Krasnodar, the commander-in-chief stated.
“The Russians are scaling up their air defenses, copying every aspect of Ukrainian air defense techniques: technical, tactical, and organizational,” he said.
“The same applies to electronic warfare systems near the border.”
Syrskyi stressed that Ukraine maintains the initiative, sets the pace of battle, and is strengthening its edge in FPV drones.
“Since December, for the fifth consecutive month, Ukrainian Defense Forces UAVs alone have neutralized more invaders than Russia can conscript,” he said.
He claimed that since April, Ukrainian UAVs have:
- Completed nearly 357,000 combat missions and destroyed more than 160,700 verified targets – a 2% increase since March
- Neutralized more than 7,700 enemy UAV pilot positions
- Destroyed 424 pieces of enemy equipment with ‘mid-range strikes’ at distances of 20-250 km.
Syrskyi stated that modern warfare is rapidly expanding the role of ground-based robotic systems.
“Today, robots are not only used in combat but also in evacuating the wounded, deploying mines, and managing over 60% of logistics and military supply lines,” he said.
That is why it has become critically important to ensure a timely and steady supply of such platforms in line with unit requirements.
Syrskyi also signed orders to reward the top military personnel in the unmanned systems department.
On May 7, over 450 flights were delayed or canceled in Moscow, with local authorities blaming “Ukrainian drone attacks”.
On May 8, drones hit Moscow in an overnight attack. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin claimed that Russian air defenses “shot down” no less than 20 drones heading towards the capital.
On May 5, the Ukrainian General Staff reported that the strikes on Tuapse port infrastructure and oil refinery caused more than $300 million in damages.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
