The Intercept

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine is now neutralizing 55% of the jet-powered Shahed drones Russia uses in its nightly aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities. The claim highlights progress in Kyiv's air defenses against an escalating drone campaign, though it also implies that nearly half of the modified, faster drones are still getting through. The figure is drawing attention as Russia ramps up drone production and attacks continue.

Russian authorities are instructing businesses to protect their own facilities from Ukrainian drone attacks, as strikes increasingly disrupt operations across the country. The move signals that Moscow's air defenses are struggling to intercept the growing number of drones targeting infrastructure and industry. The report, published by The Wall Street Journal, highlights the mounting economic strain the drone campaign is placing on Russia's war effort.

Ukraine reports a first-of-its-kind engagement in the Black Sea: an unmanned Ukrainian surface vessel has sunk a Russian kamikaze drone boat, marking what is being described as a military milestone in drone-versus-drone naval combat. Commenters are weighing what this means for the future of unmanned warfare, as both sides increasingly deploy robotic craft for attacks and interception at sea.

The U.S. military has deployed laser weapons in the Strait of Hormuz to counter drone threats. The directed-energy systems are intended to intercept hostile drones in the strategically vital waterway, through which much of the world's oil passes. The move comes amid ongoing tensions in the region and growing use of drones by hostile forces.