Russia Tests Daylight Drone Waves to Wear Down Ukraine

Russia is expanding Shahed drone use into long daytime waves, launching thousands of drones and missiles over consecutive days to wear down Ukrainian defenses and civilian life. Analysts call this a developing tactic aimed at psychological pressure and economic disruption, aided by a ramp-up in Shahed production at Russia's Alabuga plant. Ukraine counters with interceptor drones and mobile air defenses, but casualties rise as air defenses destroy most drones while missiles still cause damage. Whether this approach becomes a permanent pattern remains unclear.