Ukraine’s Defence Ministry has formally cleared the locally made Bird of Prey unmanned aviation system for combat use as the war continues unabated, with US-brokered ceasefire negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow continuing. The ministry said the drone has already proved effective in neutralizing enemy armor and fortified positions.

While this, Russia and Ukraine agreed to suspend attacks on the Black Sea and energy infrastructure after talks facilitated by the United States. In exchange for the compromise, Washington has promised to relax limits on grain exports, the first tangible prize for Moscow. The White House explained that both countries had committed to guaranteeing safe passage, avoiding the use of force, and halting the militarization of merchant vessels on the Black Sea.

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The Bird of Prey drone is a high-end, compact gun system that was developed for use on drone systems, allowing pinpoint targeting of low-signature threats in adverse combat environments. Modular and multi-role, it maximizes flight and mission time. The system includes advanced autonomous target recognition, featuring the ability to detect, identify, and pursue threats in daylight and nighttime operation.

In spite of the truce deal, Ukraine has blamed Russia for ongoing attacks on its energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President advisor Dmytro Lytvyn accused Russian forces of making at least eight strikes on power plants since President Vladimir Putin ordered a temporary suspension of such attacks last week. Moscow has been faulted by Lytvyn for failing to uphold the truce, accusing Russia of bombarding Ukraine’s energy facilities with bombs, attack drones, and FPV drones since March 18.

Putin had earlier declared a 30-day truce on energy facilities after Russia rejected an earlier US proposal for a temporary ceasefire. Ukraine, however, contends that Russia has already breached the deal, raising questions about Moscow’s commitment to honoring the agreement.