War on the Rocks Drones, Discord, and the Shifting Front in Ukraine
38 snips
Jul 30, 2025 
Michael Kofman, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and an expert on Russian military affairs, shares insights from his recent field study in Ukraine. He discusses how drones are reshaping battlefield dynamics and the adaptability of Ukrainian military strategies. The conversation dives into Ukraine's political unrest, anti-corruption reforms, and Western arms supply efforts. Kofman also addresses the implications of U.S. political shifts and proposed sanctions on Russia, providing a nuanced look at the conflict's future.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Drone Use Shapes Battlefield
- The tactical level fight in Ukraine now hinges on effective drone use and drone strike capabilities.
- Russia is catching up by organizing its own specialized drone units, reducing Ukraine's previous drone advantage.
Prolonged Russian Offensive Waves
- Russia's summer offensive started in late March and will likely stretch through fall in waves.
- Ukrainian forces face territory losses but the front line is unlikely to collapse immediately.
Front Line Fragmented into Salients
- The front line is fragmented into several salients where Russia pushes fingers of advances.
- Their tactic includes creating pockets to cut and collapse Ukrainian logistics steadily.