What Ukraine’s battlefield approach reveals about modern war

Against overwhelming odds, Ukraine continues to hold its ground in the face of Russia’s larger, more heavily armed military. As the war stretches past 1,300 days, the nation’s determination and tactical innovation have stunned observers and exposed the cracks in Vladimir Putin’s war strategy.

Inside the battlegrounds: the cost of Russia’s aggression

Cities like Kostyantynivka in Donetsk remain in ruins after relentless Russian assaults.

Despite the destruction, Ukrainian soldiers continue to operate and regroup in these zones, relying on fast-thinking and coordination to counter Russia’s push.

The war’s new phase: from survival to counterattack

Former British intelligence officer Philip Ingram explains that Ukraine has shifted from desperate defence to calculated offence.

“Something remarkable is happening on the front lines,” he says. “Ukraine isn’t just holding the line – it’s counterattacking with precision and intent.”

Tactical retreat: Ukraine’s surprising strength

One key to Ukraine’s resilience is its use of tactical retreats. Instead of clinging to every position, Ukrainian forces fall back strategically, letting Russia waste resources seizing territory of little value.

It’s a time-buying tactic that weakens the enemy without draining Ukraine’s strength.

The drone trap: cheap tech, major impact

As soon as Russian troops occupy new ground, they’re hit by waves of cheap but lethal FPV drones.

Ingram calls these attacks “relentless”, explaining how they prevent Russian forces from resting, regrouping, or securing supply lines, a nightmare for any army.

Rotating troops keeps Ukraine sharp

While Russian troops grow exhausted and poorly supplied, Ukraine regularly rotates its soldiers on and off the front lines.

This prevents burnout and keeps units fresh, reducing mistakes and boosting morale, another area where Ukraine has the upper hand.

Military discipline and planning make the difference

Ukrainian offensives are carefully coordinated with routes, checkpoints, and real-time drone surveillance.

Ingram highlights this disciplined approach as a stark contrast to Russia’s chaotic, often politically motivated battlefield moves.

Putin’s flawed assumptions are catching up with him

Russia’s long-game strategy was based on the idea that Ukraine would eventually run out of soldiers, morale, or Western support.

But that gamble is now backfiring. The battlefield tells a different story, one of Russian overreach and logistical failure.

Trump’s role in future peace talks

As peace discussions hover on the horizon, former U.S. congressman Lt. Col. Allen West says Trump must take a hardline stance with Putin.

“You’re dealing with an evil dictator,” West warns, stressing that strength, not diplomacy alone, will bring results.

Russian losses are becoming unsustainable

Ingram paints a grim picture of Russia’s future on the battlefield. “The loss of equipment, especially tanks and armored vehicles, now exceeds Russia’s pre-war inventory,” he says.

Without proper logistics or manpower, Moscow is bleeding resources it can’t replace.

Morale makes a difference

Ukraine’s morale is still high, buoyed by public support and successful defence. In contrast, many Russians are growing weary of Putin’s false promises and endless escalation.

This shift in spirit may prove just as vital as battlefield wins.

Zelensky’s diplomacy keeps the West close

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to rally support from Europe and the U.S., including recent meetings with Donald Trump.

Although Trump hasn’t yet approved sending Tomahawk missiles, he hasn’t ruled it out – a sign that Ukraine still holds Washington’s ear.

The new rules of war are being written

Ingram closes by calling Ukraine’s defence a “masterclass in modern asymmetric warfare.” Precision drones, flexible tactics, and strategic discipline are proving stronger than brute force.

“The rules of war are being rewritten,” he says, “and Ukraine is holding the pen.”

This article is made and published by Edith Hejberg, which may have used AI in the preparation