Russian Troops Living Only 20-35 Minutes on Frontline Due to Drone Attacks
Russian troops on some parts of the Ukrainian frontline can expect to survive only 20 to 35 minutes due to rising drone attacks, according to an estimate reported by The Independent. The finding underlines how drone warfare has transformed the Russian invasion into an attritional slaughter for Moscow, even as its forces continue to press into Kostiantynivka in eastern Donetsk. Overnight, Ukraine attacked two bridges used to supply Russian forces and confirmed extensive damage to the Slavyansky oil refinery. Russian losses across the summer offensive are estimated above 50,000. The Kostiantynivka push is the most concentrated of the summer offensive so far, even as advances elsewhere on the front have stalled.
The 20-35 minute survival estimate reflects the density of Ukrainian FPV drone coverage along active sectors of the frontline, particularly around Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka. Ukrainian tank crews interviewed by Reuters said scorching summer temperatures are making already demanding frontline conditions dangerous. Ukraine’s long-range strike campaign on Russian oil refineries, ammunition depots and satellite intelligence centres continues to escalate. The Slavyansky refinery is one of Russia’s largest and its extended offline period will materially affect Russian fuel supplies for military and civilian use through July.