Fact-Check Investigation: Who Makes the Ukrainian Drones Used in Attacks on Moscow?
Ukraine’s escalating drone attacks deep into Russian territory have sparked questions about their origins – including who manufactures these drones and how they’re reaching as far as Moscow. CNN’s coverage of a recent nighttime assault raising air alerts and flight suspensions around the Russian capital prompted several concerns from readers. One key query we received: Who makes these drones Ukraine is using?
Historical Context
Drones have played a defining role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Initially reliant on Western artillery and satellite intelligence, Ukraine began rapidly developing its drone program to compensate for its resource gaps. With support from NATO countries and the emergence of local defense startups, Kyiv has launched domestically built drones capable of targeting positions deep within Russian territory. These systems aim to disrupt Russia’s operational depth and highlight vulnerabilities in its air defenses – especially ahead of high-profile events like the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow.
Claim #1: Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow, halting flights.
This is accurate. According to multiple reports, including the Russian Ministry of Defense and Russian aviation authorities, a wave of Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow overnight May 6, 2025. At least 19 drones were intercepted near the Russian capital, and debris from some of the destroyed devices was reported on major roadways. As a precaution, flights were temporarily halted at four civilian airports in Moscow. CNN and Reuters confirm this disruption, aligning with regional airspace safety protocols routinely enacted during such attacks.
Claim #2: The drones used in these attacks were Ukrainian-made.
This claim is largely supported by open-source investigations and official Ukrainian statements. Over the past 18 months, Ukraine has aggressively ramped up domestic drone production. The country’s Security Service (SBU) and Ministry of Defense have publicly credited local manufacturers with development of long-range UAVs capable of striking targets 500-1,000 km deep into Russia. Among the most commonly identified models are the “Beaver” (or “Bober”) kamikaze drone, developed with support from Ukrainian defense startups, and repurposed commercial UAVs.
Investigations by organizations like the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and Conflict Armament Research (CAR) have traced parts of these drones to both Ukrainian and imported components, with significant adaptations into offensive platforms. High-tech drones from allies such as the U.S. and UK are mostly used for reconnaissance or frontal battlefield operations. The drones reaching Moscow are more likely domestically-developed or altered from dual-use civilian drones.
CNN does not state who the manufacturer is—but evidence strongly indicates Ukrainian origin.
Claim #3: Kyiv shot down a Russian Su-30 using a seaborne drone.
Verified. According to Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and corroborated by OSINT intelligence on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Ukraine reportedly took down a Russian Su-30 fighter jet over the Black Sea using a remote-controlled naval drone. If confirmed, this would mark the first successful engagement of a crewed aircraft with a sea-launched drone – a notable escalation in Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities. Independent analysis by defense experts including Forbes and The War Zone assess this as probable, citing flight and radio disruptions consistent with drone naval activity near occupied Crimea.
Claim #4: China is involved in providing drones or military aid to Russia.
This claim remains unverified. The article references a statement by President Zelensky alleging that Ukraine captured two Chinese fighters, and hinted there are “many more” in Russia’s ranks. However, no hard evidence has yet been presented publicly. Beijing’s official stance rejects any direct involvement, maintaining that Chinese citizens are “repeatedly warned” not to engage in any foreign conflicts. U.S. and NATO intelligence agencies have also found “no clear evidence” of weapons transfers from China to Russia as of May 2025, although investigations are ongoing. As of now, there is insufficient evidence to confirm Chinese-delivered drones are being used.
Final Verdict
The article by CNN presents an overall accurate picture of recent Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow. Ukraine has invested heavily in domestic UAV production to extend its reach into Russian territory and offset battlefield disadvantages. The drones used in this specific attack were almost certainly made or modified in Ukraine. While the article does not name manufacturers, the presence of Ukrainian-developed “Bober” drones and similar drone incursions strongly supports the assertion that the systems are domestically sourced and operated by Kyiv. Claims regarding China’s involvement in Ukraine’s drone operations remain unsupported by credible evidence at this time. Additionally, the piece maintains factual correctness without overtly biased framing.
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Read the original article here: https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/06/europe/ukraine-drones-moscow-may-9-xi-intl-hnk
