Ukraine’s Drone Army Gets Its Own Commander Amid Ongoing War

As the war in Ukraine continues, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has appointed Vadym Sukharevskyi as the commander of the newly created drone forces. Ukraine’s military claims to have damaged Russian air defenses in occupied Crimea, while also taking responsibility for an attack on a refinery in southern Russia. Meanwhile, the US and Poland have launched a taskforce to counter Russian disinformation, and nearly 90 countries are set to attend a Swiss-hosted Ukraine peace summit.

Drone Forces Get a Dedicated Commander

Ukraine has created a separate branch of the armed forces devoted to drones, with Vadym Sukharevskyi appointed as its commander, reports The Guardian. Sukharevskyi was already a deputy commander of the armed forces with responsibility for drones. The creation of this new post was decreed by President Zelenskiy in February and endorsed by the government last week.

Ukraine Claims Hits on Russian Air Defenses

Ukraine’s military said it damaged three surface-to-air defense systems in Russian-occupied Crimea over Monday night. Missiles struck an S400 system in Dzhankoi and two S300 systems near Yevpatoriya and Chornomorske, resulting in “significant losses” for Russian air defenses, according to Ukraine’s general staff.

Ukraine Takes Responsibility for Refinery Attack

The Ukrainians claimed responsibility for an attack on the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in southern Russia on June 5. According to Ukrainian intelligence reports, the invaders lost 1.5 million metric tonnes of oil and petroleum products, amounting to about $540 million. The Rostov governor, Vasily Golubev, told Interfax news agency that operations at Novoshakhtinsk suffered “significant disruptions” after a fire following a drone attack.

F-16 Jets May Be Kept at Foreign Bases

Ukraine may keep some of the F-16 fighter jets it is set to receive from its western allies at foreign bases to protect them from Russian strikes, said Serhii Holubtsov, head of aviation within Ukraine’s air force.

US and Poland Launch Disinformation Taskforce

The US and Poland have launched a multinational group based in Warsaw to counter Russian disinformation on the war in Ukraine. The Ukraine Communications Group will involve around a dozen western representatives working to promote accurate reporting of Russia’s invasion, amplify Ukrainian voices, and expose Kremlin information manipulation.

Ukraine Peace Summit Attracts Nearly 90 Countries

Nearly 90 countries and organizations, half from Europe, have confirmed attending the Swiss-hosted Ukraine peace summit over the weekend despite Russia’s refusal to participate. The summit aims to chart a path toward possible peace nearly 28 months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Zelenskiy Arrives in Germany for Talks

President Zelenskiy arrived in Germany for a conference on Ukraine’s postwar recovery and talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Priority topics include measures concerning Ukraine’s energy sector, continued military support, joint manufacture of munitions, and coordination of positions ahead of the Switzerland-hosted peace summit.

DroneXL’s Take

The appointment of a dedicated commander for Ukraine’s drone forces highlights the growing importance of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern warfare. As the conflict continues, drones have proven to be a valuable asset for reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeted strikes. The alleged damage to Russian air defenses in Crimea and the attack on the Novoshakhtinsk refinery demonstrate the effectiveness of Ukraine’s drone operations.

The international community’s efforts to counter Russian disinformation and chart a path towards peace are crucial steps in resolving the conflict. The upcoming Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland, attended by nearly 90 countries, offers a glimmer of hope for a diplomatic solution. However, the road to lasting peace will likely be long and challenging, requiring sustained support from Ukraine’s allies and a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue from all parties involved.