War on the Rocks Drones, Discord, and the Shifting Front in Ukraine
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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.
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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.
Ukraine's Expanding Drone Defense
- Ukraine is expanding drone units into larger brigades to systematize defense and intercept Russian drones.
- The volume of Russian drone and missile attacks on cities has dramatically increased compared to last year.
Capital Limits Ukraine's Drone Output
- Ukraine has manufacturing capacity for drones but lacks sufficient capital and foreign exchange.
- US-Ukraine co-production deals address funding and are mutually beneficial for leveraging production.