The Russia–Ukraine war has witnessed a shift in modern warfare strategies, with drones, precision weapons, and unconventional tactics becoming central to military operations. These significant attacks have not only altered military power dynamics but also influenced political and psychological landscapes on both sides, marking key turning points in the conflict. Below are some of the most notable and impactful tactical attacks:
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1. Sinking of the Russian Warship Moskva – April 2022
On April 14, 2022, the Russian guided-missile cruiser Moskva, flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, was sunk after being struck by two Ukrainian Neptune missiles. The attack delivered a severe blow to Russian naval morale and capability in the Black Sea and demonstrated Ukraine’s ability to target and neutralize major warships.
President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the Ukrainian Air Force for its successful strike, which reportedly led to the dismissal of the fleet’s commander, Admiral Viktor Sokolov, according to British defense intelligence.
2. Ukrainian Incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region – August 2024
On August 6, 2024, Ukrainian forces launched a cross-border attack into Russia’s Kursk region using over 20 tanks and armored vehicles, capturing more than 20 villages. This marked the largest Ukrainian ground incursion into Russian territory since World War II and revealed vulnerabilities in Russia’s border defenses.
The surprise element was enhanced by Russia’s focus on Donbas and Crimea, while mine-clearing in Kursk had already begun, falsely signaling safety to Russian forces.
3. Russian Use of Gas Pipeline as a Supply Route – August 2024
In the same month, Russian troops used a gas pipeline in the Kursk region as an unconventional supply corridor to launch a surprise assault on Ukrainian positions. This tactic allowed rapid movement and access to strategic areas, posing significant challenges for Ukrainian defense operations.
4. Massive Ukrainian Drone Attack on Moscow – November 2024
On November 10, 2024, Ukraine launched its largest drone assault on Russia since the war began, sending 34 drones toward Moscow. Russian air defenses claimed to have downed 70 drones, with 23 aimed at other regions including Bryansk, Kaluga, Tula, and Kursk. The attack temporarily shut down major airports in Moscow and underscored the growing threat of drone warfare in modern conflicts.
5. Drone Strikes on Russian Energy Infrastructure – November 2024
Later that month, Ukraine targeted Russian energy facilities with attack drones, damaging military equipment and disrupting infrastructure. The operation demonstrated the integration of Western-supplied systems like HIMARS with UAV tactics, enabling high-impact strikes on strategic assets.
6. Drone Attacks on Victory Day Anniversary – May 2025
On May 5, 2025, just days before Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, Ukraine launched hundreds of drones over two consecutive nights. The offensive forced the temporary closure of ten airports and highlighted Ukraine’s intensified drone campaign against Russian targets.
At least five drones were destroyed near Moscow, prompting shutdowns at the city’s three main airports—Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky—for air traffic safety, according to officials.
7. Unprecedented Drone Offensive Ahead of Istanbul Talks
On a Sunday night ahead of planned peace talks in Istanbul, Ukraine conducted a wide-scale drone assault targeting military airbases across Russia—including a base in Eastern Siberia, thousands of kilometers from Ukrainian borders.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Defense, 162 Ukrainian drones were intercepted between 17:10 and 23:00 GMT. Regions hit included Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur. Meanwhile, Russia launched 80 drones and four missiles at Ukrainian territory, striking 12 targets.
These attacks represent more than tactical maneuvers—they symbolize a broader evolution in warfare where mobility, precision, and technological innovation redefine what it means to hold the upper hand.
