Russia and Ukraine have both used drones to strike critical infrastructure, military installations and troop concentrations in their more than two-year war, with Kyiv stepping up attacks on Russian refineries and energy facilities in recent months.
Putin claimed the goal of the reported breakthrough was "to get a trump card for the exchange of territories in possible negotiations" and to create an "information effect."
The Russians are stepping up filtration measures and bringing in security forces for the sham Russian presidential elections which are being illegally held in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
The National Resistance Centre has reported that the Russians are actively preparing to provide opportunities for the Russian military to vote in the temporarily occupied territories (TOT) during the so-called Russian presidential elections.
Parked up on a winter-grey Donbas wheatfield, a Ukrainian military officer pointed out the distant skyline of the city of Avdiivka – or what was left of it.