Russian drone strikes surge, passing air defenses even into downtown Kyiv

A 55-year-old resident of a high-rise apartment building in downtown Kyiv saw a Russian drone 200 meters above his head.

The Shahed kamikaze drones he was referring to are designed and built in Iran , an ally of Russia in its war against Ukraine .

They have been supplied in large numbers by Tehran to Moscow and account for the majority of Russia ’s strike drone capabilities.

Russia has changed its tactics and is now depleting Ukraine 's air defense with cheaper unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Debris from downed Russian drones fell in seven districts of Kyiv, including the city center.

The latest Shahed -type drones may also have reconnaissance equipment that can be used for various purposes.

Russia is seeking to replace aircraft with drones, creating air superiority and depleting Ukraine 's air defenses.

Answering a question from the audience about the drone attacks hitting the capital during the Kyiv International Economic Forum held in the capital on Nov. 7 , he described “a system of rapid reaction, which allows analyzing in real-time and seeing what needs to be improved.” Petro, who witnessed the drone attacks in recent weeks firsthand from the 9th floor of his apartment in downtown Kyiv , said that “we can observe they ( Russians ) are now producing them in masses.” “We absolutely need more air defenses.”.