According to statistics by Institute of Science and Security Russia has exponentially increased its attacks on Ukrainian civilians last year launching more than 54,000 Shahed (known in Russia as Gerad) drones against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. The drones are often launched to hit random civilian targets such tower apartment blocks but they also target infrastructure such as power stations and other infrastructure.
The electronic drone components of the drones are sourced from various countries but mainly from China, however components manufactured in Western countries have also been used in these drones including German Infineon transistors, AMD microchips and STMicroelectronics components. Russia is able to source these components from China or other third-countries. The drone was originally designed by Iran.
Russia has used the Shahed drones attacks against Ukrainian civilians as a method to put pressure on the Ukrainian government to sign a capitulation agreement during talks mediated by US President Donald Trump.
Most of these drones are intercepted by Ukrainian air-defence but some successfully hit civilians with the total civilian death toll due to drones last year of at least 400 civilians.
Russia has also used ballistic and cruise missiles against civilian targets, including in double-tap strikes.
Newsroom
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