Ukraine's Long-Range Drones Strike St. Petersburg via Baltic Airspace

Ukrainian drones have targeted St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region in recent attacks. The uncrewed aircraft, modified from light-engine Aeroprakt A-22 planes, carried up to 150 kilograms of explosives over distances of 2,000 kilometres. These strikes followed coordination with neighbouring Baltic states.

The converted Aeroprakt A-22 drones were repurposed for long-range missions. Their payload capacity and extended range allowed them to reach deep into Russian territory. To evade defences, the UAVs flew through Latvian and Lithuanian airspace, bypassing Russian radar and electronic countermeasures.

Analysts suggest that disrupting drone operations requires targeting logistics. Monitoring and striking assembly sites, as well as fuel convoys, could reduce attack frequency. Another proposed measure is boosting reconnaissance drones along the border to pinpoint launch locations. In response, Russia has been urged to strengthen electronic warfare systems near Latvia and Lithuania. Spoofing satellite navigation signals could disrupt UAV navigation and limit their effectiveness. The Baltic nations, however, have already granted Ukrainian drones access to their airspace for these operations.

The attacks highlight the growing role of long-range drones in the conflict. Ukrainian forces continue to exploit routes through allied airspace to bypass Russian defences. Meanwhile, countermeasures focus on logistics disruption and electronic interference to reduce future threats.