Russia is escalating its drone warfare tactics targeting Ukraine, particularly through the use of decoy drones designed to confuse and penetrate Ukrainian air defense systems. According to a report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which closely monitors the ongoing conflict, nearly half of the drones involved in recent assaults have been identified as decoys, suggesting a deliberate strategy to exhaust and distract Ukrainian defenses during mass aerial attacks.

In a notable instance, Russia launched an unprecedented 188 drones in a recent offensive, highlighting the scale of these operations. Ukraine reported that many of these drones did not reach their targets, corroborating ISW's assessment that Russian forces are likely deploying a substantial number of decoys to saturate and weaken Ukrainian air defenses. The think tank anticipates that such tactics will persist as Russia continues to innovate its strike methodologies, particularly as the winter months approach.

Additionally, Russia's recent drone campaigns appear focused on crippling critical energy infrastructure in Ukraine, a strategy that could have severe implications as the colder season sets in. While Ukraine employs a range of air defense systems combined with electronic warfare to combat these aerial threats, Russia's coordinated use of diverse drones and missiles—coupled with deceptive tactics—poses a significant challenge, aiming to exploit vulnerabilities in Ukraine's defense systems. Reports have also revealed that Russia utilizes swarms of decoy drones to shield other deadly drones, such as thermobaric models known for their destructive capabilities, although it remains uncertain if these specific types were deployed in the latest strikes.