Whether this is the next stage in escalation, or the grand finale remains unclear. But lessons continue to emerge from this conflict, and world powers are beginning to act on them at scale.

Ukrainian long-range drones continue to hammer Russian energy and military sites. Targets up to 1,700 kilometers inside Russia are being hit.

These strikes are causing serious economic damage to Russia, not to mention the environmental harm. Here's a screenshot of recent fires at Russia's Rosneft facility on the Black Sea after Ukrainian drone attacks.

Earlier this week, President Trump expressed his anger at Ukrainian President Zelensky, "It's time for Ukraine to get a NEW PRESIDENT!"

Ukraine's strikes are hammering Russia's fuel production, and causing shortages worldwide.

On the front lines, short-range drones are now Ukraine's primary weapon holding back Russian advances. Most of these are small drones with anti-tank RPG warheads attached.

Crude, but highly effective. There are also bomber drones which drop grenades, mortars, and improvised munitions. Interceptor drones roam the skies, looking to foil enemy attacks.

Both sides are using flamethrower drones, which drip molten thermite to melt anti-drone netting and ignite enemy structures.

Meanwhile Russian long-range drones and missiles are increasingly hitting military sites in the capital, Kiev (Kyiv). And across the rest of the country. Glide bombs are devastating the front lines. And Russia is using at least as many short-range drones as Ukraine is.

It is estimated that up to 15,000 drones are being used in Ukraine per day. And that up to 90% of casualties are caused by these terrible little machines.

Traditional maneuver warfare is extremely difficult in these conditions. Advances crawl forward at a snail's pace.

Tanks and IFVs are increasingly irrelevant on the battlefield. Even artillery, the "God of War", has become an afterthought.

In just a few short years, this new class of drones have changed warfare forever. The question is: are American defense contractors ready for this new world?

Petraeus' Warning

Former Army General and CIA Director David Petraeus is out with a new warning about drone warfare. I'm not a fan of the man, but what he says here is true.

"We have not remotely learned all the lessons we should have from the war in Ukraine.

That is the future of war right now. Ukraine is using 10,000 drones a day.

Ninety percent of the casualties on the Russian side are caused by drones. Tanks can't manoeuvre anymore. They can't survive. Armored vehicles can't survive.

And by the way, there's more coming. Within a year or two, we're going to see unmanned systems that are not remotely piloted.

In the future, we're going to see autonomous systems - truly autonomous - that do not require a pilot to remotely operate them.

Then you face drone swarms. And that is something for which we really don't have a solution."