Ukraine-Russia, how the war is changing

The war in Ukraine is undergoing a significant transformation, with a progressive change in the tactics and technologies employed. The front line is becoming leaner, less dependent on the numerical strength of soldiers and increasingly focused on the use of drones and advanced technologies.

Russia: fewer tanks, more drones

The Russian forces along the line of contact have begun to reduce the number of deployed soldiers, adopting smaller-sized units. This change was motivated by the need to save resources and, above all, by the shortage of tanks. The stock of armored vehicles, largely inherited from the Soviet era, is now depleted or nearing its end, with a production capacity that cannot keep pace with the rate of losses on the field.

To compensate for this shortage, Russia has intensified the use of drones, which now constitute a fundamental part of its operations. Drones, particularly those with fiber optic cameras, are used to gather information, bomb targets, and penetrate enemy defenses, making traditional armored vehicles less relevant.

Ukraine: lighter but more adaptable defenses

Ukraine has also had to adapt to this new reality. Instead of resorting to massive defenses, with long and complex trenches, Ukrainian forces have begun to build smaller fortifications, difficult to detect by enemy drones. The new defensive positions consist of trenches about 60-70 meters long, easily camouflaged, and equipped with anti-drone covers. This approach aims to reduce visibility and protect troops from aerial and drone attacks.

In addition, two layers of defense have been built consisting of structures like concrete "dragon's teeth", designed to stop Russian armored vehicles, whose production is now limited. Despite the need to build these fortifications quickly, Ukrainian forces continue to work in synergy with local administrations to enhance defense, especially in strategic areas like Dnipro.

Criticisms and challenges in managing fortifications

The construction of fortifications in Ukraine has raised several criticisms. Although a significant part of the defenses has been completed, the realization of the structures appears disorganized in some regions, such as in the areas of Sumy and Kharkiv. In these zones, some projects have been abandoned, with concrete blocks left unused and trenches not adequately completed.

According to Roman Pohorilyi, co-founder of the DeepState group, the slowness in the realization of the fortifications has allowed Russian forces to identify and exploit weaknesses in Ukrainian defense. This was particularly evident in the case of Kursk, where the construction of defenses began only after the retreat of Ukrainian forces, when Russian drones had already gained ground on the field.

Resource management and the response of Ukrainian forces

In the context of organizational difficulties, the use of resources and Ukrainian forces has shown a high degree of adaptability but also disorder. Although it has been declared that the government has invested about 930 million euros in the construction of 3,000 defensive points, the situation on the ground largely depends on the individual commanders in the field. Their ability to organize and strengthen defenses directly affects the resistance against Russian attacks, with the risk that Ukrainian forces are vulnerable to concentrations of enemy power in specific weak points.

Conclusions

The evolution of the war in Ukraine reflects a global change in modern conflicts, where technology and adaptability on the field become decisive factors. Russian forces, with a shortage of traditional resources, focus on drones and low-intensity operations, while Ukraine responds with lighter but highly adaptable defenses, aimed at evading enemy air power.

If the war continues to follow this trend, the front line in Ukraine could increasingly become a game of technological precision, with the forces in the field relying less on the size of contingents and more on the ability to make the best use of available resources.