Diplomat Says Ukraine Has Gained Strategic Leverage Through Drone Technology
Sunday, 16 August 2026, 15:23
A former Dutch ambassador sees an unexpected consequence of the war: Ukraine’s battlefield innovations are now shaping security far beyond its borders
As reported by the online media outlet Ukrinform
Over the years of the full-scale war, Ukraine has changed its position in the world: from a country that primarily sought international assistance, it has become one of the key pillars of European security and aassessment was voiced by Robert Serry, the first Dutch ambassador to Ukraine from 1992 to 1996
Perhaps this is the greatest irony of this war and of what Putin started. He made Ukraine ready. Just four years ago, no one believed that Ukraine could stand up to Russia. Let us not forget that at the time, Ukraine was viewed almost as a needy state, constantly asking for aid, EU membership, and many other things. Over these years, everything has changed. Today, Ukraine holds strong cards
Ukrainian Drones as an Advantage in Modern Warfare
Robert Serry named the development and practical use of unmanned systems as one of Ukraine’s key advantages. These include drones used in the air, at sea, and on land
According to the diplomat, Ukraine’s experience matters not only for defending the country against Russian aggression. He noted that such technologies are already being used, in particular, to defend American bases in Saudi Arabia against Iranian attacks
A War Without a Quick Military Solution
At the same time, Serry does not view the current situation optimistically. He described the war as a “mutually painful stalemate,” in which neither side can achieve a decisive military victory, while prolonging the fighting only increases human and material losses
In his assessment, Russia has failed to achieve its original goal of establishing control over Kyiv and has been unable to fully seize Donbas. At the same time, according to the diplomat, it will be an extremely difficult task for Ukraine to retake all occupied territories
Pressure on Moscow and the Need for Missile Defense
Robert Serry believes that Donald Trump may once again attempt to bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine before the end of 2026. He stressed that the main pressure in such efforts should be directed at Moscow, rather than at Kyiv through demands to cede territory
The diplomat also drew attention to the shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles and other missile-defense capabilities. He emphasized that it is critically important for Ukraine to strengthen the protection of its skies and prevent a fifth wartime winter under constant Russian strikes
Useful reading:
- Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko says air defense systems continue monitoring the city and protecting residential areas and critical infrastructure as modernization efforts move forward.
- A reported Ukrainian drone attack sparked a fire at Wildberries warehouses in Moscow Region on August 16, 2026, killing one person.
- Former Dutch ambassador Robert Serry says independent Ukraine was crucial to Europe’s security from the beginning and recalls the difficult decision to surrender its nuclear weapons.
