Ukraine hit Russian targets in Donetsk and other areas on November 5-6, 2025, causing big explosions and major damage.
Ukrainian drones and missiles struck a former airport now used by Russia for drone operations.
At the same time, Ukraine attacked a Russian oil refinery and energy sites in Crimea, showing new tactics as winter nears.
Arsenal Vanishes
Reports suggest the Donetsk airport strike may have destroyed around 1,000 drones and 1,500 warheads, though not all sources confirm this.
This specific attack stands out as huge explosions were seen as Ukraine targeted Russia’s drone storage and launch area.
Over 90% of the strike hit its intended targets. Photos before the attack showed Russia building launch pads and fortifications at the airport.
Airport’s Fall
Donetsk International Airport was once a symbol of Ukraine’s growth, built for the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship, also known as Euro 2012.
After discussing new strikes, it’s important to recall that in 2014, Russian-backed fighters took control during fierce battles, and by early 2015, the airport was destroyed.
What was once a proud modern terminal is now a wreck, bearing the scars of years of war.
Drone Surge
Following these attacks, Russia has significantly increased its use of drones in 2025, launching over 44,000 Shahed-type drones since the start of the year.
Russian factories now reportedly produce up to 2,700 drones each month.
Drone attacks have become much more frequent compared to 2024, with some attacks involving hundreds of drones at once, testing Ukraine’s air defenses.
Months-Long Hunt
Turning to how Ukraine prepared for these operations, the attack at Donetsk airport followed months of planning and spying.
Ukraine’s drone force commander said they gathered intelligence over time before striking. The various Ukrainian units collaborated in this single, coordinated mission.
Later, satellite images showed severe damage to Russian storage sites at the airport.
Refinery Burns
Ukraine also attacked Russia’s Volgograd oil refinery, one of the largest in the country.
The strike stopped production at the plant, affecting Russian military fuel supplies. Official reports confirm parts of the refinery were badly damaged, and at least one person was killed.
Russia said its defenses shot down many Ukrainian drones.
Commander’s Vision
Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, a former trader, now leads Ukraine’s drone forces. His team has played a major role in hitting Russian vehicles and bases.
Brovdi is known for sharing battle updates with dark humor and claims Ukraine’s drone crews are capable of big strikes.
NATO officials have taken note of his unit’s successes.
Energy War
Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian oil and energy sites, hitting almost half of Russia’s big refineries in 2025.
These drone strikes have cut Russia’s fuel exports and led to shortages. People in Russia have faced long lines at gas stations.
Oil companies outside Russia have made larger profits as supply has dropped.
Production Reality
The headline says Ukraine destroyed six months of Russian drone production, but actual factory rates mean it’s closer to just 11 days’ worth of drones.
Russia now produces approximately 2,700 drones per month, so destroying 1,000 isn’t as long-lasting as the headline suggests.
Russia’s drone industry is continuing to grow.
Strategic Blindspot
Russia rebuilt the Donetsk airport for drone operations, but Ukraine tracked their construction all summer.
Ukraine’s attack shows it can hit targets deep inside the territory that Russia controls.
Russia has missed opportunities to stop these kinds of attacks, suggesting their defenses and intelligence are stretched thin.
Winter Weaponized
After Ukraine’s strikes, Russia responded with a heavy attack, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at Ukrainian cities.
The attacks killed several people and damaged power plants and other key sites.
Many Ukrainians have lost electricity and heat as cold weather sets in, raising concerns as winter approaches.
Production Race
Ukraine is working diligently to enhance its own drone and missile production capabilities.
Officials believe they could reach $60 billion in defense output by 2026, partly through the export of weapons.
Ukraine produced two million drones last year and aims to double that number. Leaders say more strikes against Russia are key to stopping the war.
Technology Arms Race
Both Russia and Ukraine are rapidly advancing their drone technology. Russia uses drones that are hard to jam and can send drone swarms far behind enemy lines.
Ukraine responds with smart drones that can track and engage other drones, utilizing artificial intelligence to target and destroy them.
Both sides want more powerful and smarter systems in future battles.
Uncertain Impact
Despite all these attacks, experts disagree about whether Ukraine’s energy attacks will change the war’s course. Russia’s oil exports have dropped, but its war efforts continue.
World organizations predict Russia’s refineries will struggle for months.
Russia still has ways to get supplies and build drones, and there’s no big protest against the war inside Russia.
Winter’s Test
In this rapidly changing conflict, as both sides hit each other’s energy systems, survival may depend on who can keep supply chains and power running through winter.
Ukraine’s deep strikes show progress, but Russia can still produce many drones.
The struggle will test which country can avoid breakdowns in factories and public support as the conflict drags on.