Ukraine's new strategy to slow Russia's offensive: drones, fortifications, and robotic systems

Ukraine is adapting its military strategy to counter Russia's offensive by focusing on long-range drones, logistics strikes, fortifications, and robotic systems, aiming to offset its numerical disadvantage. Moscow is facing high daily losses, with estimates reaching up to 2,000 soldiers per day in some periods. Ukrainian forces launched "Operation Vivaldi" near Lyman in the Donetsk region, recapturing at least 125 square kilometers and disrupting Russian plans to encircle Ukraine's fortified belt. Kyiv is also targeting Russian fuel depots, airbases, and supply chains deep behind the front lines, while using interceptor drones and ground robots in new tactical roles. Russia reportedly seeks up to 800,000 additional troops, but the Institute for the Study of War notes it lacks the administrative capacity to integrate them quickly. Ukraine is also building defensive positions in the north, while Russia faces fuel shortages and a projected 2026 budget deficit of about 3% of GDP due to war costs.