Unexploded Russian Bombs, the Secret Fuel Powering Ukraine’s Drone War

Ukraine’s military has found an unconventional yet effective method to supplement its drone operations—reusing unexploded Russian munitions. According to Newsweek, Serhii Varakin, commander of a drone unit under the 58th Brigade, Ukrainian forces have been “cannibalizing” unexploded ordnance left behind by Russian troops to extract explosives. This dangerous task is driven by a severe shortage of explosive substances for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are a critical part of Ukraine’s defense strategy.

Vadym Mazevych, a former commander of the UAV battalion of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, reiterated the challenges in obtaining sufficient explosives. In an interview with Newsweek during the Yalta European Strategy conference, Mazevych highlighted the strategic importance of securing communication systems and explosives for drones, which are essential for Ukraine’s military operations. The lack of resources, he explained, significantly hinders Ukraine’s ability to meet its defense needs.

Oleksandr Kamyshin, former Minister of Strategic Industries and now a presidential adviser, expressed frustration over Ukraine’s limited defense budget. Despite having the technical capabilities to produce drones and other military technologies, Ukraine struggles with inadequate funding. Kamyshin pointed out the disparity between Ukraine’s industrial potential and its financial limitations, emphasizing the need for more resources to scale up drone production and innovate new technologies.

Ukraine’s drone program has shown resilience, with both domestic production and international support helping to maintain operations. However, officials stress the need for sustained investment to keep pace with Russia’s growing industrial capacity. In 2023, Russian drone development accelerated significantly, with tens of thousands of drones being supplied to its military each month, according to Samuel Bendett, an expert on Russian UAV development.

While Ukraine’s drones may outclass Russian models in quality, Varakin acknowledged that Russia’s advantage lies in sheer volume. As Ukraine continues to adapt to this evolving warfare, it is clear that drones will remain a pivotal element of both sides' strategies. Ukraine, however, remains securing the funding and materials necessary to keep its UAV operations competitive.

According to Newsweek, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare. Ukraine is pushing forward with plans to expand its drone capabilities, but the success of these efforts will largely depend on the continued financial backing of international partners.

To learn more about how Ukrainian forces reuse Russian trophy shells, watch out report.