The Ukraine-Russia war escalated this week with the introduction of a new and terrifying weapon: ‘dragon drones.’ These unmanned aerial vehicles have been seen dropping molten metal, known as thermite, onto Russian positions in the occupied Kharkiv region. The fiery spectacle, captured on video and widely shared across social media, has sparked global attention and concern.
Thermite, a potent incendiary substance, is a mixture of aluminum powder and iron oxide. It ignites at extremely high temperatures, reaching up to 2,200 degrees Celsius, capable of melting most materials, including metal. This makes it a devastating weapon, comparable to napalm and white phosphorus, and its use in combat is restricted under international law.
The use of thermite-laden drones is not new to the conflict. Action on Armed Violence, a British anti-war advocacy group, has reported previous instances where Ukraine utilized thermite-equipped drones to permanently disable Russian tanks. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry released footage showcasing these drones raining ‘torrents of fire’ onto Russian troops. The term ‘dragon drones’ arises from the fiery spectacle, reminiscent of a dragon breathing flames as the thermite falls from the sky.
The deployment of these drones comes amidst a period of significant changes within the Ukrainian government. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stepped down on Wednesday, marking a potential reshuffle of leadership as the war enters a critical phase, nearing its 1,000th day in November.
Meanwhile, Ukraine claimed responsibility for a drone strike on Saturday that ignited a large fire at an ammunition depot in a Russian region bordering Ukraine. This incident further highlights the escalating nature of the conflict and the growing reliance on advanced weaponry. The use of ‘dragon drones’ and thermite represents a significant development in the war, raising serious concerns about the potential for further escalation and the devastating consequences for both sides.
