Telegram Bots Control Russian Drones: Note Found in Downed Drone Reveals New Warfare Tactics

On May 26, 2025, an attack on a Russian facility in Tatarstan by unknown drones made headlines. Ukrainian engineers examining a downed drone discovered a note suggesting the use of Telegram bots for control. This revelation highlights the evolving technological landscape of modern warfare. According to a Ukrainian aviation expert, Konstantin Krivolapov, "the figure of a thousand drones may be an exaggeration." The incident underscores the increasing sophistication and difficulty of intercepting such attacks. The Financial Times reported that Russia is producing missiles and drones faster than it's using them, potentially indicating a build-up for a new offensive. The SBU is investigating over 3,000 cases related to Shahed drone attacks, highlighting the scale of the issue.