Putin identified the main problem facing the Russian military—and it’s not missiles
1 September 23:56
Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian drones—in the air, on land, and underwater—pose the main threat to the Russian army. He made this statement to reporters after concluding a visit to Kyrgyzstan, according to "Komersant Ukrainian", citing Russian media.
“Right now, the main challenge is, of course, drones—and in all environments: underwater, at sea, on land, and in the air. And this is a challenge for us; it’s a serious one,” Putin said.
The Kremlin leader assured that Russian companies are reportedly ramping up production of countermeasures against drones. However, he did not specify exactly which technologies and production volumes he was referring to, nor when the Russian military would be able to obtain them in the necessary quantities.
What Putin Specifically Acknowledged
In his statement, Putin named four environments for the deployment of unmanned systems:
- in the air;
- on land;
- on the sea surface;
- underwater.
This is a broader formulation than the Russian government’s traditional statements about the threat posed by aerial drones. In fact, it refers to a comprehensive transformation of modern warfare, in which robotic platforms conduct reconnaissance, deliver strikes, transport cargo, lay mines, evacuate the wounded, and attack ships and coastal facilities.
Aerial drones have changed the front lines
Aerial drones remain the most widespread type of unmanned systems. The following are used on the front lines:
- reconnaissance drones;
- FPV drones;
- medium-range strike drones;
- long-range drones;
- bombers;
- communication relays;
- interceptor drones;
- unmanned aerial vehicles for remote mining.
Aerial drones make it possible to detect equipment and personnel, adjust artillery fire, and deliver precision strikes without requiring military personnel to approach enemy positions directly.
According to official data from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in July 2026, unmanned systems units carried out 449,000 missions —3% more than in June.
During this period, 226,000 enemy targets were struck, which is 13% more than the previous month. These statistics were published on the official website of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
A 13% increase in the number of hits with only a 3% increase in the number of missions may indicate improved effectiveness in the use of drones.
Ukraine is expanding its use of ground robots
Ground-based robotic systems are being developed separately. They are used for logistics, laying mines, demining, evacuating the wounded, delivering ammunition, and carrying out combat missions.
In July, these platforms carried out more than 23,700 missions —41% more than in June.
The key advantage of ground robots lies in their ability to carry out dangerous operations without the direct presence of military personnel. This is especially important in open areas of the front line, which are constantly under surveillance by enemy drones.
The rapid increase in the number of missions indicates that ground-based robotic systems are gradually transitioning from experimental use to routine operation within the military.
Marine drones have changed the situation in the Black Sea
Ukraine became one of the first countries to begin using unmanned boats on a large scale for combat operations.
Maritime drones can conduct reconnaissance and attack ships, ports, and other military targets. They are significantly cheaper than the large warships they are used against, and their loss poses no risk to the crew.
It was precisely the development of unmanned boats that became one of the factors forcing Russia to limit the use of its Black Sea Fleet near the Ukrainian-controlled coastline and to strengthen the defense of its naval bases.
Why Russia Has Started Talking About Underwater Drones
Underwater unmanned systems remain the least publicized area of development. They can be used for reconnaissance, seabed surveys, mine detection, monitoring of waterways, and the potential destruction of maritime targets.
Unlike surface vessels, such vehicles are more difficult to detect using conventional cameras, radar, and aerial surveillance. Countering them requires hydroacoustic systems and specialized detection equipment.
Putin did not provide any examples of underwater vehicles being used against Russia. Therefore, his remarks may refer not only to the current situation but also to anticipated developments in military technology.
Why It Is Difficult for Russia to Counter Drones
Unmanned systems pose several challenges for a traditional army.
First, drones are relatively inexpensive, whereas missiles and other means of intercepting them can be significantly more costly.
Second, manufacturers are constantly changing communication frequencies, navigation systems, software, and the design of the drones. Countermeasures can become obsolete in just a few months.
Third, there is no single universal defense measure. Combating different types of drones requires a combination of:
- electronic warfare;
- mobile fire teams;
- interceptor drones;
- radar and acoustic detection systems;
- engineering defenses;
- early warning systems;
- measures to counter ground and sea-based platforms.
Scale is a separate challenge. Even an effective countermeasure system must be deployed not in a single location, but along the front lines, around airfields, ports, military bases, industrial facilities, and logistics hubs.
Drones are already having an impact beyond the front lines
Ukrainian long-range drones regularly reach targets deep within Russian territory. Oil refineries, military factories, warehouses, airfields, and logistics infrastructure are all under threat.
On September 1, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that due to the regular appearance of drones, Russian airspace is becoming dangerous for commercial aviation. He called on airlines and insurance companies to take these risks into account.
The Ukrainian side emphasizes that it poses no threat to civilian aircraft. At the same time, the war launched by Russia is forcing Russian airports to impose restrictions during drone attacks.
As a result, drones are affecting not only military operations but also air travel, insurance, business operations, and the Russian economy.
