Mar 17 • 16:13 UTC 🇺🇦 Ukraine Kyiv Independent

'No region can feel safe' — former Russian Defense Minister raises alarm over Ukrainian drone strikes

Former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warns that Ukrainian drone strikes pose a threat to regions in Russia, including the Ural region.

In a recent meeting of the Russian Security Council, former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu expressed grave concerns over the threat posed by Ukrainian long-range drones, noting that regions in Russia are increasingly at risk, even those as far as 1,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. He specifically pointed to the Ural region, emphasizing that it is now considered part of the 'immediate danger zone' due to advancements in Ukrainian drone technology.

Shoigu highlighted that attacks on Russian infrastructure by Ukrainian forces have dramatically increased, with a staggering rise of nearly fourfold in aerial strikes reported in 2025 alone. With more than 23,000 drone attacks recorded, the threat landscape for Russia is rapidly evolving, making it imperative for security measures to be reassessed. The Ural region, which is significant for its defense-industrial capabilities and energy infrastructure, is now directly impacted by this shifting dynamic.

This escalation in drone warfare not only raises alarms about Russia's domestic security but also underscores the changing nature of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The implications suggest that the ongoing conflict could extend the battlefield beyond traditional borders, forcing potentially increased military responses from Russia to protect its strategic assets across these vulnerable regions.

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