Ukraine’s drone attacks caused turmoil for Russians throughout summer

Key Points:

• This summer, Russia experienced significant disruptions due to nearly daily drone attacks by Ukraine targeting airports, oil refineries, and major retail warehouses, leading to fuel shortages, canceled flights, and damaged e-commerce operations.
• Over 43,300 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over Russia and Crimea during June-August 2026, a sharp increase from about 7,700 the previous summer, signaling an intensified Ukrainian campaign to pressure Russia.
• The ongoing conflict and its domestic impacts have led to growing public frustration and pessimism in Russia, with Putin's approval rating dropping from 87% in September 2025 to 76% in August 2026, amid fears of a possible new troop mobilization.
• Ahead of Russia's parliamentary elections in September 2026, authorities have tightened control by removing opposition parties like Yabloko from the ballot to prevent the election from becoming a debate over the war, aiming to maintain a facade of unity and control.
• Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy, warn that drone attacks and airspace disruptions will continue, effectively closing Russian skies to civilian flights and signaling ongoing turmoil within Russia.