(KYIV) – Ukraine has stabilised large sections of the frontline using a highly digitised battlefield system that analysts say is inflicting heavy and sustained losses on Russian forces.
Diane Francis, a Kremlin specialist and non resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, said Ukrainian forces have created what she described as a “digital killing zone” across vast areas of contested territory. She said the system allows rapid detection and targeting of movement across “many thousands of square kilometres”, with drones deployed to strike almost immediately.
“They’re not gaining ground anymore,” Francis said, referring to Russian forces. “The Ukrainians have absolutely digitised the entire battlefield.”
She added that any detectable movement within this zone is quickly identified and engaged. “Anything living in many thousands of square kilometres of land is immediately detected and immediately killed by a drone,” she said, noting the scale and intensity of surveillance and strike capability.
According to Francis, this has effectively frozen parts of the frontline, particularly along border क्षेत्रों, while Russian casualties continue to rise. She cited recent Ukrainian estimates suggesting losses of about 35,000 Russian troops per month.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also released broader figures indicating cumulative Russian casualties of around 1.3 million, with roughly 68 per cent reported killed and the remainder wounded. The figures could not be independently verified.
Francis said the scale of losses reflects a prolonged and costly campaign for Moscow. “This is an enormous price,” she said, adding that despite this, Russia’s leadership remains focused on securing a military outcome.
She noted that while Ukraine has made limited tactical gains in some areas, its broader strategy has focused on degrading Russia’s ability to sustain frontline operations. This includes strikes on infrastructure inside Russia, such as oil facilities, pipelines and power grids.
Recent attacks have also disrupted air traffic near Moscow, with reports that several airports were temporarily closed following drone strikes.
Francis said Ukraine’s approach combines battlefield defence with long range disruption of Russian logistics and economic assets. “They are attacking Russia’s ability to support frontline operations and bringing the war closer to the Russian population,” she said.
On the use of advanced technology, Francis highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence assisted targeting but stressed that human oversight remains in place. She referenced warnings by Zelensky at the United Nations against fully autonomous weapons systems.
“There is a human being behind what the Ukrainians are doing,” she said. “Autonomous weapons that decide on their own what to kill are widely condemned under international law.”
She cautioned, however, that such systems could emerge in future conflicts, particularly if adopted by Russia or its allies.
On the diplomatic front, Francis said there has been little progress towards meaningful peace talks. While both Kyiv and Moscow have signalled nominal willingness to negotiate, positions remain far apart.
“There may be talks this year, but not in the near future,” she said.
She added that Russia appears to prefer mediation involving the United States, particularly former president Donald Trump, whom Moscow is seen as able to influence. European efforts to re engage talks have so far been rejected by Russia.
Francis also pointed to recent fluctuations in sanctions enforcement, including short term measures affecting Russian oil exports, which she said provide only limited financial impact over brief periods.
Despite this, she argued that Russia’s broader strategic position has weakened. “Russia has been tied down in this war for years against a country with a much smaller army,” she said, adding that Moscow’s global influence has diminished as a result.
Ukraine, she said, retains international support and what she described as the “moral high ground”, while continuing to adapt technologically and militarily.
Summing up the current balance, Francis echoed Zelensky’s assessment: “Ukraine is not losing, and Russia is not winning.”
