Russia is losing more than 1,000 troops a day as Ukrainian forces deploy artificial intelligence-powered drones to counter the invasion, according to battlefield analysis. Ukraine has expanded its mid- and long-range strike capabilities with domestically developed drone and missile technology, targeting Russian supply lines and oil infrastructure almost daily.
The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian casualties—killed and wounded—totalled 32,980 in April, an average of 1,099 per day. Through May, Russia has sustained 28,200 losses, with a daily average of 1,044. Experts told the BBC that Ukraine's AI-enabled Hornet drones can autonomously identify and track targets after being launched toward a designated area, often striking supply vehicles and logistics routes linking Russia to southern Ukraine.
Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey praised Ukraine's resilience, stating: 'Ukrainians continue to fight with huge courage and defiance – civilians and military alike. Ukrainian forces are not just holding the line – they are pushing it back, making gains across the front.' He added: 'Month after month, in this brutal war of attrition, Russia is losing tens of thousands of troops with little gain.' The UK has pledged continued support with drones, training, and equipment.
Russia has blamed Ukraine for a drone strike on the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Ukraine dismissed the claim as an attempt to 'conceal Russia's own criminal actions.' The incident highlights the escalating use of long-range drone attacks in the conflict.
