Fact Check: "Russia has launched thousands of combat drones and missiles in military operations."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that Russia has significantly increased its use of combat drones and missiles in military operations, particularly in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. For instance, during a major strike on June 28-29, 2025, Russian forces launched a total of 537 strike vehicles, which included 447 drones and various types of missiles, targeting critical infrastructure across Ukraine (Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment). This marked one of the largest combined strike series of the war.
Moreover, data from the Ukrainian Air Force shows that in June 2025 alone, Russia launched 285 drones and 65 missiles against Kyiv City, which is a significant increase compared to earlier months (Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment). Additionally, a report from a Russian think tank highlighted a rapid increase in drone production, noting that a single assault on May 25 involved 367 drones and missiles (Moscow Times).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Russia has launched thousands of combat drones and missiles is robust and well-documented. The Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment provides detailed accounts of specific military operations, including the exact numbers of drones and missiles deployed. This source is credible, as it is produced by the Institute for the Study of War, which is known for its analytical rigor and expertise in military affairs.
Furthermore, reports from various news outlets, including the Moscow Times and NriGlobe, corroborate these findings, detailing the scale of Russia's aerial assaults and the strategic implications of their increased drone and missile production. These sources are generally reliable, although it's important to note that some may have varying degrees of bias based on their geopolitical perspectives.
The significant increase in the number of drones and missiles used in military operations suggests a strategic shift by Russia to leverage these technologies to overcome Ukrainian defenses, which aligns with the broader trends observed in modern warfare.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "Russia has launched thousands of combat drones and missiles in military operations" is substantiated by multiple credible sources that provide detailed accounts of recent military actions. The evidence clearly indicates a substantial escalation in the use of these technologies by Russian forces, particularly in their ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
