Russia Adopts ‘Double-Tap’ Strategy in Civilian Drone Attacks

Russia is stepping up drone attacks in Ukraine using a “double-tap strike” tactic, in which a second strike follows closely after an initial attack, deliberately targeting first responders.

The approach, revealed by the DC-based think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), was observed during Moscow’s barrage in early July on Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Poltava, and Zaporizhia.

Ukraine’s air force verified that the strikes saw approximately 150 Shahed loitering munitions and decoys launched from Crimea and several eastern regions occupied by Russian forces.

Alongside civilian infrastructure, the recent Russian strikes were able to hit energy and military sites, including an enlistment camp in Kremenchuk, to disrupt the network and ongoing recruitment programs in the war-torn country.

A separate report from the Ukrainian State Emergency Service said that Russia facilitated concurrent double-tap strikes against emergency responders overnight in Kharkiv.

“Recent adaptations to Russian long-range drone technologies and strike tactics suggest that Russian strikes against civilian targets are very likely intentional,” ISW said.

“Russia’s overnight strikes have increasingly resulted in civilian casualties, and Russia is very likely intentionally targeting Ukrainian civilians, including with ‘double tap’ strikes likely meant to kill first responders and strikes against military registration and enlistment offices.”

Ending Conflict Without Progress

Russia’s latest air assaults on Ukraine followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he had made no progress with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a call to end the invasion.

Since the start of the three-year conflict, the US has sought to persuade Russia to end its war with Ukraine, but mediation efforts and terms have failed to gain traction.

Representatives from each party last met more than a month ago, during which they agreed to swap about 1,000 prisoners each.