Since early September, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and various bloggers have shared footage on social media of a new type of drone, known as the "dragon drone," in action. These drones have been shown releasing a thermite mixture—a combination of aluminum powder and iron oxide—over Russian positions hidden in forests. This mixture, ignited by an electrical detonator, burns at temperatures up to 2200 degrees Celsius, capable of incinerating nearly any material, including steel.

Following the release of these images, Kyiv confirmed the operational deployment of the "dragon drones," highlighting their precise targeting capabilities. Russian media have also recognized the threat these drones pose, noting that the incendiary mixtures effectively destroy positions and expose Russian troops. Although Ukrainian officials have not specified which units are using the drones, analysts have confirmed their deployment in the Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk regions, and even in the Kursk border area since August.

The concept of thermite weapons is not new; such incendiary devices were first used during World War I by Germany and have seen application in subsequent conflicts. While thermite weapons themselves are not banned under international law, their use is restricted to military targets due to their indiscriminate effects, which can cause severe burns and damage respiratory systems. The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs and Human Rights Watch have highlighted concerns over the environmental damage caused by these weapons.

A Ukrainian volunteer emphasizes that the primary goal of using "dragon drones" is to target entrenched Russian forces in forests. Despite acknowledging the environmental impact, he stresses the importance of these drones in Ukraine’s broader objective of repelling the Russian invasion.

The impact of these new drones on the overall war effort remains uncertain. Experts suggest that while "dragon drones" might not replace conventional military assets, they offer a psychological edge and could conserve more valuable ammunition. Russia is reportedly working on its own versions of these drones, though initial Russian responses indicate a lack of immediate solutions to counter this new technology.