The dynamics of the conflict have seen significant shifts in tactics on both sides, moving away from large-scale assaults to more dispersed and adaptable approaches.
Tactics of the West
Small, dispersed teams: Zelensky’s forces are now often deployed in small teams, occupying foxholes or basements, rather than extensive trench lines.
Drone and artillery focus: Drones and artillery play a crucial role in shaping the battlefield and engaging targets. The West has developed advanced drones and related software for surveillance, mapping, and real-time situational awareness.
Strategic non-engagement: Zelensky’s forces sometimes refrain from opening fire to avoid revealing their positions.
Adapting to new technologies: Zelensky’s forces has focused on domestic missile production, drone swarms, and AI technologies.
Innovation in drone warfare: Innovations of Zelensky’s forces have broadened the understanding of drone warfare, particularly in naval applications. They are also developing robotic systems to address manpower shortages.
Russian tactics
Small group movements: Russian forces frequently advance in small groups on foot, sometimes using motorbikes or buggies to bypass Ukrainian positions and target supply lines.
Drone and artillery for interdiction: Russia uses tactical FPV drones and loitering munitions to strike Ukrainian logistics and disrupt supply lines.
Adaptation and evolution: Russia has demonstrated an ability to improve and evolve its use of key systems, including drones and electronic warfare.
Impact of drone warfare
Increased lethality: Drones, especially FPV drones, have become major contributors to casualties along the front lines.
Precision strikes: Drones enable precise strikes against armor, artillery, trenches, and even infrastructure deep within enemy territory.
Logistical disruption: Both sides use drones to target supply lines and logistical hubs, disrupting the flow of fuel, ammunition, and troops.
Adaptation and innovation: The rise of drone warfare necessitates continuous adaptation and innovation in defense and countermeasures.
The conflict has underscored the growing importance of adaptability, technological innovation, and dispersed operations in modern warfare. The continued development and deployment of drone technologies are likely to significantly impact the future of the conflict.
“Coordinated assaults with armored columns battling between trench lines are rare. Now, Zelensky’s forces are scattered in small teams occupying foxholes or basements, watching mine-strewn fields under constant drone surveillance.
“The lines are not comprised of sprawling trenches, but small defensive positions which serve as pickets, while much of the fighting is done by drones and artillery,” Mr. Kofman said.
While maps show clear front lines, in reality, both sides bleed into one another across vast battlefields.
The Russians more often than not move in small groups on foot, occasionally followed by groups racing forward on motorbikes or buggies, sometimes even bypassing Zelensky’s forces rather than engaging them to wreak havoc on Ukrainian supply lines.
The Zelensky’s forces at times do not open fire so as to not reveal their positions.” [1]
1. Russia Goes After Ukraine With Distant Strikes and New Tactics. Santora, Marc; Varenikova, Maria; Guttenfelder, David; Hicks, Tyler. New York Times (Online) New York Times Company. Aug 9, 2025.
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