Ukrainian forces have released terrifying footage showing a so-called ‘dragon drone’ unleashing a 2,500C fireball onto Russian positions on the front line.
The video from the Defence of Ukraine posted on X shows a the UAV from the 109th Assault Battalion hovering over what appears to be a Russian hideout before it rains down explosive fire from above.
The footage was shared with the caption: “A ‘dragon’ drone with thermite is burning enemy hideout. The use of such drones increase the effectiveness of combat operations and reduce risks for personnel.”
Thermite is a fearsome weapon in war, the material uses a chemical reaction of metal powder and metal oxide to produce a searing temperatures of up to 2,500C.
The deployment of the dragon drone technology comes as Kyiv claimed to have killed 2,200 Kremlin troops in a single day according to latest figures.
Despite the mounting dead, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed his invasion of Ukraine, dubbed the ‘Special Military Operation’, has strengthened his country.
Putin made the disputable comments during an annual news conference and call-in show on Thursday when the dictator answers questions from an audience and callers.
Thee tightly choreographed event, which lasted about four-and-a-half hours, was used by the leader to reinforce his authority and demonstrate a sweeping command of everything from consumer prices to military hardware.
During the epic address Putin claimed sending troops into Ukraine in 2022 has boosted Russia’s military and economic power, adding that if he could do it over, “such a decision should have been made earlier” and Russia could have “prepared for it in advance and more thoroughly.”
He said: “Russia has become much stronger over the past two or three years because it has become a truly sovereign country.
“We are standing firm in terms of economy, we are strengthening our defense potential and our military capability now is the strongest in the world.”
Putin, who has held power for nearly a quarter of a century, began another six-year term earlier this year. He said the Russian military was “advancing toward achieving our goals” in Ukraine.