(KYIV, UKRAINE) – Ukraine’s armed forces have prevented Russia from launching a large scale winter and spring offensive through extensive use of drone warfare, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky said Russia had prepared a major offensive intended to begin late last year and continue into spring. He said Ukrainian counter offensive actions disrupted those plans and prevented a large scale attack. He added that the outcome was driven not only by terrain and personnel but significantly by advances in drone technology.
According to Ukrainian estimates, Russian forces are losing between 30,000 and 35,000 troops per month, with a large proportion of casualties attributed to drones, including first person view systems. Ukrainian officials say drone operations have created a “kill zone” extending up to 150 kilometres from the front line, where Russian troops and equipment are vulnerable to constant surveillance and strikes.
Within this zone, Ukrainian forces target logistics hubs, warehouses, supply vehicles and air defence systems. Footage released by Ukrainian sources shows strikes on storage facilities, trucks and elements of advanced air defence systems including S300 and Tor units.
Zelensky said Russia continues to mobilise between 40,000 and 45,000 personnel monthly. He said Ukraine’s strategy is to inflict equivalent losses to prevent the Russian military from expanding its offensive capacity. Ukrainian figures indicate nearly 100,000 Russian troops were killed over a three month period.
Ukraine has also carried out long range strikes. An oil depot approximately 500 kilometres from the front line in southern Russia was hit, causing significant damage. Additional strikes targeted radar systems and air defence infrastructure.
Ukrainian officials say new domestically produced ballistic missiles are being prepared for testing. The system is expected to have a range of up to 300 kilometres, a payload of around 150 kilograms and lower production costs compared to Western supplied alternatives. Initial test strikes are expected to focus on military targets within Russian territory.
Meanwhile, internal developments in Russia point to tightening state control. Authorities are reportedly preparing to restrict access to the messaging platform Telegram, widely used by both civilians and military personnel. Analysts say such measures could affect communication, logistics and morale among Russian forces.
Economic indicators also suggest strain. Reports indicate Russians withdrew more than 1.6 trillion roubles in January, equivalent to approximately 19 billion US dollars, amid concerns over financial stability and increased state monitoring.
Environmental concerns have also emerged after a reported strike on a hydroelectric facility led to oil contamination in a river flowing into Moldova. Moldovan authorities have issued alerts and blamed Russia for the incident.
In Europe, tensions remain over energy and financial support. Ukraine has agreed to allow repairs to a damaged pipeline supplying Hungary and Slovakia, after disputes linked to a proposed 90 billion euro EU loan. The loan is equivalent to approximately 97 billion US dollars.
Beyond Ukraine, global attention has shifted to rising tensions in the Middle East. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have reduced shipping traffic sharply, contributing to rising oil prices and wider economic uncertainty.
Analysts warn that prolonged instability could benefit Russia by increasing energy revenues, potentially offsetting the impact of Western sanctions. European leaders have reiterated commitments to reduce reliance on Russian energy imports.
Despite ongoing conflict, daily life continues in Kyiv. Businesses remain open and economic activity persists, even after a difficult winter marked by sustained Russian attacks.
President Zelensky says that Russia’s large Winter and Spring offensives were never able to happen because Ukraine’s drones have dominated Russian forces in a new 150km kill zone. Zelensky has agreed to allow the EU to fix the damaged pipeline to Hungary if Ukraine’s EU loan is no longer blocked. Trump is now begging NATO for military help as his war against Iran drags on and is causing a global economic catastrophe.
