The Kremlin also claims to have more than 1,000 small, versatile Orlan-10 drones that it uses for reconnaissance, targeting, interception, and telephone interception.
Russia has lost about 50 of its Orlan-10s in the war, but “what they have lost could be a small part of what is flying,” said researcher Samuel Bendett of the Naval Analysis Center’s think tank.
In a intelligence update on Saturday, the UK Ministry of Defense said: “With its shifting operational focus on the Donbas, Russia has been able to increase its use of tactical air to support its advance. progressive, combining air strikes and massive artillery fire to bring your overwhelming firepower to bear.
“The combined use of airstrikes and artillery has been a key factor in Russia’s recent tactical achievements in the region.”
Gaidi, in Luhansk, again called for advanced weapons from Ukraine’s allies.
“As soon as we have enough long-range Western weapons, we will move their artillery away from our positions. And then, believe me, the Russian infantry will just run out,” he said.
Moscow has said Western weapons will pour “fuel into the fire,” but will not change the course of what it calls a “special military operation.”