Ukrainian drones slow Russia’s offensive in 2026
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Atlantic Council Africa Center
Ukraine’s drone-based air defences are limiting Russian offensive capabilities and enabling local counter-offensives in 2026. The development, less discussed than medium-range strikes or command changes, challenges the idea that a Russian victory is inevitable, according to the Atlantic Council.
Ukrainian drones are helping to slow the Russian army’s advances in 2026 and support local counter-offensives, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center says. Ukrainian forces are using first-person-view (FPV) drones and specialised interceptors to target Russian surveillance drones and loitering munitions over combat zones.
This drone-based air defence has developed as Ukraine lacks enough conventional systems to protect the front line. The first Ukrainian units adapted FPV drones, already used to strike ground targets, to intercept Russian aircraft. This development has led to the creation of dedicated interceptors and is intended to disrupt Russian strike chains, according to the Atlantic Council’s analysis.
The organisation says Russia has captured significantly less territory in 2026 than in previous years, despite record human losses, while Ukraine has carried out several smaller-scale counter-offensives. This assessment comes amid a war marked by Russian strikes in Ukraine.
