At a concealed testing site, far from prying eyes, Ukrainian engineers launch the Raybird, a long-range drone designed for deep-strike missions. Resembling a miniature aircraft, the drone is catapulted into the sky, where it can fly for over 20 hours and cover distances exceeding 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), striking targets along the frontlines and deep within Russia.

However, following separate agreements between Russia and Ukraine with the U.S., these missions are theoretically meant to halt. The ceasefire, which includes a maritime truce in the Black Sea and a commitment to refrain from targeting each other’s energy infrastructure, was agreed upon in recent negotiations in Saudi Arabia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pledged immediate adherence to the deal.

Yet, skepticism runs deep among those on the ground. Oleksiy, an engineer at Skyeton, the company behind the Raybird, doubts Moscow’s commitment. "The Russians throw a punch, then the next day they want a truce—only after tying our hands," he says. "There's no guarantee they’ll actually stop fighting."

The ceasefire, however, provides relief to Russia as well. Ukraine has launched over 30 attacks on Russian oil infrastructure this year alone, using drones and other weapons. These strikes have hit major facilities like the Ufa refinery, 1,500 kilometers from the front line, and the Tuapse plant in the Krasnodar region. As a result, Russia’s oil refining capacity has dropped by 10%, forcing Moscow to extend a ban on petroleum exports.

Ukraine, meanwhile, continues to expand its drone capabilities. President Zelensky recently announced the development of a new long-range drone with a 3,000-kilometer (1,860-mile) range—capable of reaching Moscow and even Siberia. Kyiv has also unveiled turbojet-powered “missile-drones” designed for higher speeds and greater evasion from air defenses. Additionally, Ukraine has successfully tested its first domestically built ballistic missile and upgraded its Neptune cruise missile to strike both land and naval targets. Ukrainian forces reportedly used one to target the Russian airbase in Engels, though officials have not confirmed the attack.

For Ukraine, the energy ceasefire is a much-needed reprieve. Russian forces have repeatedly bombarded the country’s power plants and gas facilities, with devastating consequences. At one point last year, Ukraine’s energy output had plummeted to just a third of its pre-war levels. More recently, Russian drones knocked out a thermal power plant in Mykolaiv and left over 250,000 residents of Odesa without power. Gas infrastructure has also been heavily targeted, including underground storage sites and production facilities.

Artem Petrenko, executive director of the Association of Gas Producers of Ukraine, warns that Moscow’s goal is to cripple Ukraine’s gas production, a cornerstone of its energy security. With storage levels at a mere 4% as of March, continued Russian strikes could create severe shortages next winter.

Back at the test site, the Raybird completes its flight, deploying parachutes and landing smoothly in the field. Oleksiy watches with satisfaction but remains wary. "A ceasefire is good, but we can’t afford to stop," he says. "Our enemy just wants time to regroup and strike again. We must be ready."