Putin’s bloody war stumbles as defiant Ukraine unleashes lethal AI drone blitz

RUSSIA is losing troops at a staggering rate of more than 1,000-a-day as Ukrainian fighters armed with AI drones launch a defiant fightback, battle analysis has revealed. Ukraine has launched a string of limited, tactical counterattacks using drones across the frontline to slow the advance of Vladimir Putin’s troops – inflicting huge casualties. And a new generation of advanced AI-powered drones are also reaping havoc in previously untouched areas to the rear of Russian forces. Logistics trucks have been blasted in Donetsk city and along the largely untouched M-14 southern coastal highway, connecting Crimea with the Russian border east of Mariupol. And Russian military sources have acknowledged the growing threat as spiralling casualty rates continue to taint tyrant Vladimir Putin’s stumbling “special military operation.” Putin is being dogged by growing discontent on the home front as thousands of soldiers’ lives are wasted in his “meatgrinder” assaults. Ukrainian General Staff report Russian battlefield casualties – killed and wounded – totalled 32,980 in April – an average of 1,099 per day. As of Friday, Russia has sustained a total of 28,200 losses, with an average daily loss rate of 1,044, through May 2026. Ukraine’s successes were revealed days after UK sources estimated that Putin’s four-year war has so far cost more than half a million Russian lives. But the blood-soaked despot continues to hurl soldiers at the frontline – grinding out slow gains despite appalling losses, UK Defence Analysis research has revealed. Read more: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39265750/putin-losing-troops-ukraine-ai-drone-blitz/ The Sun brings you breaking news and in-depth analysis on the stories that matter most. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to conflicts in the Middle East and US and UK politics, we post updates as they happen. Expect the latest on major global events, pressing political debates, celebrity updates and exclusive royal family content, along with in-depth investigations and expert commentary. Get comprehensive coverage of Donald Trump's Presidency, Vladimir Putin's actions, and the unfolding drama of the British Royal Family. Subscribe now for daily updates and exclusive content from The Sun. https://www.youtube.com/c/thesun?sub_confirmation=1 👑 For the latest Royal news, subscribe to The Sun's Royal Exclusive YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RoyalExclusiveTheSun Read The Sun: https://bit.ly/3Tay1OY Like The Sun on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesun/ Follow The Sun on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesun Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/discover/The_Sun/1633225139 #ukraine #russia #putin