Russia’s air war over Ukraine has reached a new level of intensity and sophistication. According to The Economist, Ukrainian engineers dismantling a recently downed Shahed drone found a note—presumably left by a sympathetic Russian engineer—revealing a major upgrade: drones are now controlled via Telegram bots, with real-time flight and video data streamed directly to Russian operators.

This new control mechanism, combined with onboard AI guidance, eliminates dependence on GPS and satellite links. Instead, the drones piggyback on Ukrainian internet and mobile networks, rendering them virtually immune to traditional electronic warfare.

The modification comes as Ukraine faces unprecedented aerial bombardment. On May 25, Russia launched a record-breaking 298 drones and 69 missiles in a single night, pushing Ukraine’s air defense systems to the brink. Analysts warn that Russia could soon produce up to 500 drones per day, raising fears of future swarms numbering in the thousands.

“These drones maneuver around mobile air defense teams and climb to altitudes that evade smaller anti-aircraft weapons,” said Colonel Denys Smazhny of Ukraine’s air defense forces.

Though systems like the American Patriot are effective against ballistic threats, they are costly and limited in number. Kyiv currently has eight batteries, but President Zelensky says at least ten more are needed, along with additional interceptor missiles.

With Washington’s focus shifting to the Indo-Pacific, and U.S. production already stretched, Ukraine's requests for co-production or licensing have so far gone unanswered. The first joint production sites in Germany are not expected to come online until late 2026.