The Duran Podcast Ukraine War ZERO line, lethal drone warfare w/ João Quaresma
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Mar 22, 2026 João Quaresma, an independent geopolitical commentator and frontline reporter, shares firsthand reporting from Russia–Ukraine battle lines. He discusses drone schools in the Caucasus, underground drone labs at Liman, FPV and factory-built drones, frontline workshops that rapidly adapt designs, drone threats to supply routes, and evolving countermeasures and tactics.
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Civilian Drone Schools Are Central To Russia's Strategy
- Russia runs widespread civilian-access drone schools teaching FPV piloting, aerodynamics, assembly, and maintenance.
- João Quaresma saw mountain schools with simulators, 3D-printed parts, and courses open to civilians including many young women.
Front Lines Host Fully Equipped Drone Labs
- Front-line units maintain underground drone labs to design, adapt, and rapidly produce mission-specific drones.
- Quaresma observed assembly lines and claimed teams can modify a drone for a target within 30 to 60 minutes.
Hiding Beats Shooting Against FPV Attack Drones
- FPV attack drones are fast, small, and hard to hit, making concealment often preferable to shooting them down.
- Soldiers told Quaresma a small branch or bush can stop an FPV, so hiding is usually the first tactic.