Ukraine's 40-day drone campaign fails to halt war but damages Russian logistics

Ukraine's extensive 40-day drone campaign, launched on June 25, did not force Russia to the negotiating table but inflicted substantial damage on its military logistics. Ukrainian drones penetrated deep behind Russian lines, striking ships, refineries, and supply depots in occupied southern Ukraine and the Black Sea. The operation aimed to disrupt Russian military operations and supply routes.

However, the campaign also triggered Russian retaliation. Moscow deployed drones to destroy dozens of fuel stations within Ukraine. Attacks on ships and port infrastructure in July disrupted grain exports from Odesa and surrounding areas. More recently, Russian drones heavily damaged major logistics warehouses in Kyiv and its vicinity, affecting companies like Puma, Bosch, and Toyota, as well as key Ukrainian retail chains.