February 22, 2026, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine: A Ukrainian soldier launches an RQ-35 Heidrun drone used for reconnaissance and artillery fire in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine. (Credit Image: © Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire) 
March 23, 2026, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine: A soldier from a drone unit of a battalion of Ukraine’s 422nd Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment ”Luftwaffe” prepares a Baba Yaga heavy bomber drone before a daytime training flight in Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region. (Credit Image: © Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire) 
February 22, 2026, Ukraine: A soldier works at a control panel as the unit uses RQ-35 Heidrun and A1-CM -Furia drones for reconnaissance and artillery fire in the Zaporizhzhia region the near frontlines in the war with Russia. (Credit Image: © Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire) 
April 8, 2026, Zaporizhzhia Region, Ukraine: Military chaplain FATHER STEPAN watches a drone he blessed before launch fly across the sky in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine. On the eve of Orthodox Easter, the priest visited the Gara strike drone pilots of the Striletskyi Special Unit. Father Stepan held an Easter prayer dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ and consecrated the attack aircraft. (Credit Image: © Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire) 
March 23, 2026, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine: A soldier from a drone unit of a battalion of Ukraine’s 422nd Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment ”Luftwaffe” prepares a Baba Yaga heavy bomber drone under darkness before a nighttime training flight. (Credit Image: © Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform via ZUMA Press Wire)
Scott Mc Kiernan Presents zReportage.com Issue #1041 Story of the Week: Published: TUESDAY May 19, 2026: ‘The 7 MILLION Drone War’ by ZUMA Press partner agency Ukrinform photographer in Ukraine Dmytro Smolienko: Ukraine recently launched long-range drones in what turned out to be one of the largest pummelling’s of Russia during the conflict. President Zelenskyy said taking the war to Moscow was ‘entirely justified.’ Drone warfare in Ukraine has transitioned into a highly scaled, systemic contest of technology and production, reshaping the strategic landscape for both nations. Drone operations are now driven by massive industrial outputs, long-range deep strikes, and the integration of artificial intelligence. Ukraine is on track to produce over seven million drones this year, a significant leap from the 4 million manufactured in 2025. Welcome to ‘The 7 MILLION Drone War’
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