Will Ukraine Use New Turkish Strike Drones to Attack Russia's Nuclear Plant?

The Russian publication Svobodnaya Pressa has commented on the remarks made by Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Vasily Bodnar, in which the Ukrainian figure showcased a photograph of the Turkish Baykar AKINCI drone model and referenced Turkish-Ukrainian cooperation on drone supply.

These are newly established long-range drones produced by Baykar Makina, the company known for its "Bayraktar TB2" drones used by Azerbaijan in the war against Artsakh.

According to the publication, the Ukrainian diplomat's post appears to be dedicated to the acquisition of three such drones by the Turkish army. He aims for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to also receive similar strike drones, especially considering that Turkish drones are equipped with Ukrainian AI-450C turbofan engines.

It is known that this drone will be the first in the Turkish arsenal capable of launching air-launched cruise missiles.

Commenting on the potential use of such drones by Ukraine, the publication cites Aaron Stein, director of the Foreign Policy Research Institute, who stated, "Erdogan is always in a good position when it comes to doing business with Ukraine." The expert on Turkish-Ukrainian relations notes that Washington is not too thrilled about the closeness between Turkey and Ukraine and their collaborative weapon production.

It is unclear for the U.S. how Ukrainians will use such dangerous weapons, and most importantly, how the Russians will respond to this new threat. "When it comes to long-range missiles that end up in the hands of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the danger could be much greater than the benefit. If that sale increases the likelihood of Russian invasion without significant growth in Kyiv's ability to counter it, they will have a negative impact on NATO's security," Stein remarked.

According to the publication, the analyst's comments imply that he simply fears that "hotheaded Ukrainian Armed Forces may engage in folly, for example, by launching a strike from a drone toward the Volgodonsk nuclear power plant or the Tsymlyansky dam to cause maximum damage to Russia."

"And what will the Americans do then, given that a greasy cross will be marked on the statehood of Ukraine? And what Stein regrets most is that the U.S. will essentially be unable to counter Russia. Moreover, Moscow will still present itself as the victim in the international community," Svobodnaya Pressa writes.