Russia could be driven out of Ukraine by employing powerful underwater drones, as suggested by a prominent former US General. Following escalating tensions that may lead to conflict with Western Europe unless actions are taken to deter Vladimir Putin, retired David Petraeus, a veteran of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, proposes a strategy to thwart the dictator’s ambitions.
Ukraine possesses missiles capable of inflicting significant damage, including the TLK-1000 sea drone with a striking range of 1,200 miles. General Petraeus advocates a three-pronged approach that could potentially outmaneuver Putin, but emphasizes the importance of Western support for Kyiv to translate this plan into reality.
In an interview with The Telegraph in New York, Petraeus highlighted Ukraine’s potential to neutralize Russian forces on the battlefield through the deployment of advanced unmanned systems. He lauded the speed and capabilities of the unmanned maritime systems tested in Ukraine, alongside the Flamingo ground-launch cruise missile with a range of 3,000km.
He further stated, “If these three actions are executed concurrently, it is conceivable that Russia would be compelled to cease hostilities due to a lack of further gains, or potentially agree to a ceasefire.” This proposal comes amidst reports suggesting Russia’s reluctance to end the conflict in Ukraine and its preparations for potential confrontation with NATO.
Recent developments indicate Russia’s build-up of new military recruits, with nearly 300,000 individuals reportedly joining the Russian Ministry of Defence since the beginning of the year. The Institute for the Study of War reveals a steady increase in new recruits, forming part of a strategic reserve that Russia has been assembling since July 2025.
Amidst reports of an escalating conflict, pro-Kremlin media suggests that additional soldiers are being mobilized to bolster Russian forces in Ukraine. NATO, in response to Russian incursions into its territories, has ramped up its defenses. Putin and his associates deny involvement in these incursions, shifting blame to the West for instigating potential conflicts.
As the conflict in Ukraine persists, reports from Ukrainian media outlet UNN indicate the conscription of soldiers from the public to join the fight. A decree signed by Putin mandates the enlistment of individuals aged 18 to 30, not already in the reserve, resulting in approximately 135,000 new military personnel. These individuals are subject to Russian laws mandating conscription enacted in 1998.