Ukraine has a navy that needs no sailors
It does a surprisingly good job of destroying Russian vessels
WHEN RUSSIA invaded in February 2022 Ukraine barely had a navy. The defenders scuttled their one frigate to prevent Russia from seizing it. Two years later Ukraine is struggling to hold back a Russian offensive on land—but it is winning the war in the Black Sea and has broken the Russian blockade of its grain ships. Its victories have often depended on rapid technological innovation: every other navy relies on crewed ships to fight, but Ukraine has built a fleet of drone boats, or uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs). How are they shaping the war at sea?
Explore more
From the June 15th 2024 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionMore from The Economist explains
What do Greenlanders think of being bought?
Donald Trump’s desire for Greenland, and a shabby visit by his son, reignite the independence debate
What would Donald Trump gain from seizing the Panama Canal?
The president-elect claims the crossing is controlled by China and rips off American consumers
Where does Santa come from?
How a miracle-working Greek bishop, Dutch folk figure and early New York icon became the ubiquitous symbol of Christmas
Who are the main rebel groups in Syria?
They were united against the country’s dictator. Now they have little in common
Is RFK junior right to say America allows more toxins than the EU?
He is, but things are slowly beginning to change
What would it cost to kill coal?
The price of shutting down coal power, and what would be gained