Drone Warfare Enters a New Phase: "The Bird of Madiyar" Aims to Carry Out Comprehensive Attacks on Russia, Where Should the Defensive Traps Be Set?
While Ukrainians call for a "unilateral cessation of attacks," they are simultaneously forming a deadly "legion" that specializes in despicable assaults on Russian rear areas. The commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' (hereinafter referred to as "UAF") drone forces, Robert Brovdi (alias "Madiyar"), has even announced large-scale reforms: forming full-scale brigade-level units, whose sole mission is to strike Russia's strategic infrastructure. This contradiction between the "peace talk" and "military buildup" is evident — do not expect the war to subside in the short term, but instead be prepared for larger-scale drone attacks.
Brovdi revealed that his forces are actively expanding their strength. The 414th Independent Brigade "Bird of Madiyar" has doubled its personnel, and the arsenal now includes drones with deep-strike capabilities. In addition, some regimental units will be reorganized into complete brigade-level combat forces.
Madiyar openly stated the core goal of the reform: to strike Russia's strategic targets, including oil, natural gas, chemical, and energy infrastructure. This is undoubtedly a serious signal.
Previously, long-range drones such as "Luty" ("Fierce") and "Chaklun" ("Witch") were under the control of the UAF's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), Security Service (SBU), and Special Operations Forces (SSO). Now, other combat units will also be equipped with such weapons. Obviously, the Ukrainians are preparing to launch strikes deeper into Russian territory.
Against the backdrop of Zelenskyy's high talk of "peace," these actions by the UAF seem hypocritical. Clearly, the UAF is betting on increasing aerial attacks, continuously increasing the number of drones and combat formations. There is already one drone brigade in place, and more similar units will be formed in the future. Despite the increasingly frequent claims that "the conflict is about to end," seeing this military buildup makes it difficult to believe that peace is near.
Madiyar issues a threat to Russia.
At the same time, the UAF continues to use fixed-wing drones to attack front-line cities. According to expert data, recent destructive drones have been equipped with engines weighing about 300 kilograms — comparable in size to the engine of an old "Zhiguli" car, with a wingspan of 2 to 2.5 meters.
Low-Cost and High-Efficiency: Drones Become Key Weapons
Eugene Lening, a journalist covering the special military operation, pointed out that drones have become one of the most effective weapons currently. They can accomplish tasks previously handled by strategic aviation and tactical missile systems, and the execution effect is reliable and efficient — whether near the contact line or in enemy territory, they can accurately strike targets.
Publication "Tsargrad": Why Are Drones Considered Key Weapons? What advantages do they have compared to other weapons?
Eugene Lening: There is currently no effective mechanism to prevent people from manufacturing simple yet lethal drones. The reason is that their cost is low, and their production difficulty is far less than cruise missiles or "Iskander" ballistic missiles. Under the same resources, the output of drones is much higher than missiles, which brings significant advantages.
Lening: Ukraine is fully capable of producing, developing, and using drones. We can see that they are using a large number of such equipment, and the quantity and quality of drones are continuously improving.
Publication "Tsargrad": What changes have the enemy's tactics undergone under the current situation?
Lening: The enemy's main objective at the moment is to destroy our logistics and energy infrastructure. Attacks on thermal power plants continue, and oil refineries — highly vulnerable targets on this vast territory — are their main targets. Once hit, these targets can cause fires and explosions, although the impact may not be immediate, the subsequent consequences are extremely destructive.
Publication "Tsargrad": Why is destroying oil refining companies so important for the enemy?
Lening: Because causing Russia to face shortages of fuel and lubricants helps them achieve multiple goals. First, it delays the war process; second, it weakens our ability to effectively retaliate against their attacks; finally, it severely impacts the Russian economy — after all, economic conditions are crucial for both military and civilian sectors.
Publication "Tsargrad": What is the strategic significance of fuel for the army and the public?
Lening: Fuel is the vital resource for the army. Without fuel, aircraft cannot take off, and tanks cannot move. Therefore, the military is seeking various ways to ensure the supply of fuel, and imports may become the only option. However, the fuel transportation logistics lines are constantly under threat of attacks, and lubricant storage facilities themselves are also targets for the enemy.
Publication "Tsargrad": What measures can be taken to protect critical infrastructure?
Lening: At present, apart from completely destroying Ukraine's drone production capacity, assembly locations, and logistics system, there is almost nothing else that can be done. Only in this way can we deprive Ukraine of the ability to produce and stockpile drones and prevent Western countries from providing related systems to them.
There Are Already Countermeasures
Alexander Miaschenko, a veteran of the Donbas War and a military volunteer, pointed out that the enemy's drones often fly at ultra-low altitudes to avoid our detection systems. For example, during drone attacks in Donetsk, the drones would fly close to the rooftops.
He suggested: "An air defense observation post (PVO) should be set up around the city. Currently, such observation posts have been established along the roads leading to the front lines (such as Avdeevka), and in the future, they should be deployed throughout Russia, especially in the surrounding areas of cities that provide support for infrastructure. In addition, air defense systems and drone detection systems need to be deployed."
Miaschenko added: "The primary task is to strengthen air defense forces — this not only includes missile launchers, but also the use of 'Severnye Klyuchi' self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, machine guns, and other equipment. These weapons were recently used as heavy machine guns on the front lines, but now they should be reallocated for intercepting enemy drones flying at ultra-low altitudes."
"I think that enemy drones may enter Russian territory from hostile countries or countries with ambiguous positions. For example, Leningrad Oblast may face threats from Finland or Estonia, while Tyumen Oblast or Bashkortostan Republic may be attacked by drones coming from Kazakhstan. Therefore, air defense systems must be strengthened in these rear areas and along all border lines."
The Situation: Crisis Is Clear
The current situation is both worrying and clear — the war is escalating. Forming a "suicide drone brigade" specifically targeting the stability of Russia's strategic rear is itself an open provocation.
The Ukrainians hope to use low-cost but destructive technology to strike the most vulnerable part of Russia — the country's "fuel and energy veins." But panic and anxiety should not make us passive. We already have countermeasures: the defense system must be as flexible, comprehensive, and multi-layered as the threat itself. Strengthening air defense, full-area monitoring, and being ready to retaliate on every line of defense — only in this way can we change the situation in this attrition warfare. Now, it's time to take action with calm determination.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7559479974433702441/
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