May 28, Kathmandu - This month near Kyiv, Ukrainian forces have deployed advanced drones that are reshaping the trajectory of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Dennis Stillermeirman, co-founder of the company Fire Point, revealed that his firm produces around 300 FP-1 and FP-2 drones daily, each costing approximately 50,000 euros. These long and medium-range drones have been targeting Russian military assets, playing a crucial role in leveling the playing field for Ukraine.

Despite decreasing aid from the United States, Ukraine has managed to weaken Russian advances and extend the war into Russian territory through relentless drone attacks. Stillermeirman explained, “We lay ambushes near Russian airbases, wait for aircraft arrivals, and then destroy them suddenly.”  

Once demoralized, Ukraine now exhibits renewed confidence. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that recent changes have shifted the war’s momentum in Ukraine’s favor. Ukrainian drones can fly hundreds of kilometers to Moscow and carry out explosions, significantly impacting Russian military infrastructure.

Ukraine’s reliance on Western support is decreasing as their military strength grows. Ukrainian officials and Western analysts agree that since President Trump’s era, Ukraine’s military has become stronger, especially due to increased drone production that helps compensate for manpower shortages.

In Moscow, Russian officials appeared visibly uncomfortable during the May 9 Victory Day parade, which was scaled down and heavily guarded amid fears of Ukrainian drone attacks. Zelensky ridiculed Russia beforehand, promising that Ukraine would not let the parade go unchallenged.

The ongoing drone attacks are fueling public outrage within Russia, with many calling for urgent solutions. As spring arrives, Ukrainian military officials claim that around 35,000 Russian soldiers are injured or killed each month, with Russia recruiting nearly 30,000 new troops monthly.

Since the war began, Ukraine estimates that 1.2 million Russian soldiers have been wounded or killed, while Western sources suggest that Ukraine has also lost between 500,000 to 600,000 soldiers, though exact figures remain undisclosed.

Following a €90 billion loan from the EU, Ukraine is channeling funds into domestic arms production, increasing the manufacture of drones, artillery, and missiles. Military analyst Franz Stefan Gadi notes that Ukraine’s position has improved compared to last year, while Russia faces systemic issues and aims to capture the entire Donbas region by autumn.

Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil and gas reserves have further complicated Russia’s war efforts. Recent reports from organizations like DeStaat, Black Bird Group, and the Institute for War Studies indicate that Russia’s territorial gains have slowed significantly, with only 94 square kilometers reclaimed last month—the smallest in two years.

Experts warn that it’s premature to declare Ukraine the war’s winner, citing Russia’s larger manpower and resource advantage. Recently, Russia evacuated foreign embassies in Kyiv, citing fears of Ukrainian strikes.

Meanwhile, the number of countries involved in arms procurement for Ukraine has decreased from 18 to 9. Analysts suggest that the coming months will reveal whether Ukraine’s strategy is succeeding, especially as drones give Ukraine a qualitative edge, but Russia still maintains numerical superiority across other military aspects.