Moscow Orders Escalation of Drone Attacks on Civilians, Ukraine’s Intelligence Reveals.

Drone Strikes Against Civilian Targets Intensified

According to UATV: On July 17, 2023, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense confirmed that the Russian military has received orders to ramp up drone attacks on civilian infrastructure in frontline areas of Ukraine. This directive marks a deliberate shift in tactics, focusing on non-military assets to maximize disruption and fear. According to intelligence reports, the following types of civilian objects are now primary targets:

• gas stations
• trucks
• buses
• passenger cars

The execution of these orders has been assigned to the 'Rubicon' center for advanced unmanned systems and external drone operators. To carry out the planned operations, the following drone models are expected to be deployed:

• 'Molniya-1'
• 'Molniya-2'
• 'Geran-Siker'
• 'Gerbera-Siker'
• 'Lancet'

These unmanned aerial vehicles have already been used in attacks. Notably, on July 17, 2023, Russian Shahed-238 drones struck port infrastructure in Mykolaiv, killing two people.

The command has ordered an intensification of strikes on gas stations, trucks, buses, and passenger cars.

Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

The resumption of active assaults on civilian infrastructure underscores escalating tensions in the region and risks further casualties among the civilian population. The drones employed in these operations could significantly complicate the situation for Ukrainian forces and deepen the humanitarian crisis in conflict-affected areas. These developments highlight the urgent need for international response and continued support for Ukraine in countering aggression.