Ukraine is rewriting the battlefield with drones, as the country’s rising technological edge begins to shift the tide of war against the Russian invaders. Despite ongoing claims from sceptics that Ukraine cannot physically overcome Russia’s larger army, new analysis suggests otherwise. The key to victory, says Russian opposition sociologist Igor Eidman, lies in technological superiority — and Ukraine is rapidly achieving this through drone warfare.
Historically, the side that leads in key military technologies often wins the war. Just as Europeans once dominated with superior firearms, Ukraine may now defeat the Russian dictator’s army through command of drone technology. Eidman argues that if Ukraine gains absolute superiority in drones, it has a real chance of winning. This outcome is entirely possible with continued support from Western allies, especially from Germany and other European members of the growing “drone coalition.”
Ukraine has already seen great success in drone production, but Europe’s unmatched industrial and scientific capacity could help elevate it to a decisive advantage. Unlike Russia, which has long struggled with advanced electronics and innovation, European nations possess the knowledge and resources to mass produce state-of-the-art drones equipped with artificial intelligence and fibre optics. These drones are critical not just for Ukraine’s survival, but also for Europe’s own defence in a new era of warfare.
Germany’s Merz government has already signalled its will to act. What is needed now is practical implementation — a coordinated ramp-up of drone production that would not only equip European armies, but also ensure Ukraine maintains its edge in the skies. Current deliveries of combat drones continue, but analysts warn that European nations have only just begun to tap into their full potential.
The impact of Ukraine’s drone advantage is being felt clearly at the front. Russian Z-war propagandist Dmitry Steshin recently admitted that the offensive is at a dead end. In his words, “Ukraine is taking us out with drones, everything is bad.” He described how even areas up to 40 kilometres behind Russian lines are no longer safe due to drone attacks.
According to Steshin, Ukraine’s drone strategy is paralysing Russian movement. One battlefield incident he recalled involved Ukrainian forces dropping an anti tank mine from a drone dubbed “Baba Yaga,” halting their advance. Russian troops, outnumbered and outmanoeuvred in the air, are now severely limited in their ability to move forward, with wounded soldiers often left waiting weeks for evacuation.
In some battles, Ukraine launches ten times as many drones as Russia. This overwhelming numerical and technological superiority is becoming a decisive factor.
