Russian spring offensive stalls as Ukrainian drones hold the line

The Wall Street Journal reported the information.

As the ground hardens and foliage thickens with the arrival of spring, Russian forces have launched a new wave of attacks in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian commanders say these assaults, focused on key targets like the city of Pokrovsk, have so far failed to deliver significant gains. Drone footage released by Ukraine’s National Guard shows columns of Russian motorbikes and armored vehicles advancing across fields, only to be stopped by Ukrainian defenders who destroyed dozens of vehicles in a single engagement.

Military analysts and Ukrainian officials note that Russia’s offensive has lost momentum compared to last year, with Russian troops capturing far less territory in recent weeks. Exhaustion among Russian units, logistical breakdowns, and poorly trained replacements have all contributed to the slowdown. Meanwhile, Ukraine has adapted by making drones a central part of its defense. Surveillance and attack drones now patrol the front, targeting Russian troops before they can reach Ukrainian positions. In some sectors, Ukrainian commanders estimate that drones are responsible for the vast majority of Russian casualties.

Despite these successes, Ukrainian officers warn that the situation remains precarious. The return of leaves to the trees will soon make it harder for drones to spot Russian movements, and the end of the muddy season is expected to allow Russian armored vehicles to maneuver more freely. At the same time, Ukraine’s ammunition stockpiles are shrinking, and future U.S. military aid is uncertain as political debates continue in Washington. European allies are trying to fill the gap, but their production capacity is limited.

Experts caution that while Ukraine’s drone-first strategy has helped stabilize the front, it may not be enough if Russian attacks intensify and Western support wanes. As one Ukrainian officer put it, the current calm may not last long, and both sides are preparing for a potentially decisive summer on the battlefield.

• The use of unmanned systems by Ukraine, particularly ground-based robotic complexes for remote mining, is causing critical losses for Russia in logistics, Ukraine's top commander says.