Russia's new jet drones batter Ukraine's skies

In August 2026, Russia escalated its aerial attacks on Ukraine by using new jet-powered Geran drones on a daily basis, according to BBC Verify analysis of Ukrainian Air Force data. These drones, capable of speeds up to 480 km/h, are harder for Ukraine's air defenses to intercept. The Ukrainian military reported a sharp increase in jet drone attacks, from 350 in June to 2,800 in August. The attacks have caused casualties, including six railway workers killed in Kyiv. In response, Ukraine's military leadership has called for new interceptor missiles and ordered rapid production of thousands of units.