Drone War in Ukraine Escalates, Threatening Civilian Infrastructure and Duma Elections

The drone war between Russia and Ukraine is intensifying, with daily exchanges of dozens or hundreds of drones and missiles across demarcation lines. This remote warfare creates forty-kilometer-deep death zones under drone sovereignty, preventing territorial gains or losses from being measured on the ground. Ground advances have become nearly impossible, yet combat intensity remains high. The key metric is now which side inflicts greater material and psychological damage. Kyiv has expanded its long-range strike capabilities, targeting civilian populations and energy infrastructure. If hostilities continue, they could impact the upcoming Duma elections. Putin's approval ratings are declining. The article, published in der Freitag, analyzes how Russian society forgives its rulers everything except appearing weak.