Russia’s 'kamikaze' drone attacks on Ukraine decline in December: UK intel explains why

This was stated in a report by the UK Defense Ministry.

The report notes that in December 2024, Russia launched approximately 1,700 'kamikaze' drones of various types at Ukraine, which is less than the total number in November, amounting to 2,300. This marked the first decrease in total numbers since April 2024.

UK intelligence suggests that weather factors likely influenced operations earlier in the month. This is supported by reports of several nights with waves of over 100 'kamikaze' drones, followed by periods of particularly low or no activity.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 53% of Russian drones were shot down, while the remainder were neutralized through electronic warfare or veered off course without causing significant damage.

According to UK intelligence, various factors may influence the monthly launch figures, either increasing or decreasing them. However, “it remains likely that Russia will be able to sustain a launch rate exceeding at least 1,500 per month.”

• On the night of Monday, January 13, air defenders destroyed 78 attack drones that Russian forces attempted to use to strike Ukrainian territory.