Ukrainian military using drones to reshape modern warfare

Four years after Russia's February 2022 invasion, Ukraine continues to defy predictions it would fall within months. One of its most effective weapons: drones, which have become devastating tools of modern warfare.

While Russian forces still occupy about a fifth of Ukrainian territory, they have failed to advance further. The conflict has become a stalemate and war of attrition — but that dynamic may work in Ukraine's favour.

Drones have allowed Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory and push back Russian advances on the front lines. The tactic relies heavily on attacking Russian logistics and supply lines, weakening Moscow's ability to sustain its military operations.

Dominique Arel, chair of Ukrainian studies at the University of Ottawa, has been analyzing the conflict's trajectory and Ukraine's strategic options. In a podcast conversation with The Big Story, Arel discussed Ukraine's drone tactics, the effectiveness of attacks on Russian logistics, and whether Ukraine might force Putin into a peace deal.

The weaponization of commercial and military drones has fundamentally changed how this conflict is fought, with Ukraine demonstrating that innovation and tactical creativity can offset Russia's larger military advantage. As the war enters its fifth year, the sustainability of these tactics and their impact on potential peace negotiations remain key questions.