Defense & Aerospace Report

DEFAERO Strategy Series [Jun 03, 25] Sam Bendett & Eugene Rumer on Russia, Ukraine

Jun 3, 2025
In this discussion, Sam Bendett, an analyst specializing in Russia and unmanned systems, joins Eugene Rumer, a director at the Carnegie Endowment with extensive expertise in Eurasia. They dive into Ukraine's bold “Operation Spider Web” against Russian bomber bases, reflecting on its strategic implications. The conversation reveals the resilience of both nations, with insights on Russian public sentiment and the U.S. support dynamics. They also explore the influence of Poland's elections on European backing for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Ukraine's Innovative Drone Attack

  • Ukraine executed a unique drone attack using over 100 short-range FPV drones hidden in cargo containers near Russian strategic bomber bases.
  • These drones surprised Russian air defenses and damaged a significant portion of Russia's high-value long-range bombers.
INSIGHT

Drone Strikes Won't Stop Russia

  • Despite Ukraine's drone success, Russia continues its ground advances due to superior manpower, resources, and industrial backing.
  • This attack complicates Russian operations slightly but doesn't fundamentally stop their massive attacks on Ukraine.
INSIGHT

Russia's Expanding Drone Warfare

  • Russia has ramped up production of cheap drones, manufacturing hundreds daily, including decoys to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses.
  • This sustained drone assault exposes Ukraine's challenges in fully controlling its airspace, signaling a tough air defense battle ahead.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app