Analysis: Drone technology lets Ukraine resist Russia asymmetrically as war grinds on

Peter Zalmayev, director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative, rejects the narrative that Russia is only now 'taking the gloves off' in its war against Ukraine. He argues Moscow has consistently pursued maximalist objectives from the outset, adapting its tactics to battlefield realities as the conflict evolved.

Ukrainian innovation, particularly in drone warfare, has significantly complicated Russia's military superiority, forcing costly adjustments on the battlefield. Zalmayev contends, however, that technological ingenuity alone cannot permanently offset Moscow's advantages in manpower, industrial capacity, and external military support.

The analyst argues the war has entered what he calls an 'escalatory spiral of attrition,' suggesting neither side is likely to secure a decisive breakthrough soon and both are instead settling into a prolonged war of grinding losses.