How Ukraine and Russia Fight in 2026 - Battlefield Dynamics with Dmytro Putiata & Rob Lee

The 2026 Ukrainian battlefield is characterized by a slow, attritional grind where traditional large-scale maneuver is replaced by small-unit infiltration and drone-saturated combat. Infantry positions are no longer dense, static trench lines but sparse, concealed nodes in basements or tree lines, functioning primarily as sensor networks. Success hinges on the integration of conventional artillery with unmanned aerial systems (UAS), as neither technology alone can overcome the current defensive advantage. While drones dominate casualty production, artillery remains critical for suppressing enemy drone teams and providing volume of fire. Survivability for artillery units now depends on a balance between mobility and hardening, as even advanced self-propelled guns face significant threats from loitering munitions. Dmytro Putiata and Rob Lee highlight that while drones have transformed logistics and reconnaissance, the fundamental requirement for infantry and combined arms integration remains unchanged.