Zelensky Bets on Drones to Create Front-Line Kill Zone

The Ukrainian Armed Forces are seeking an additional 15,000 soldiers for a new "Drone Line" doctrine, which is expected to significantly expand the use of drones on the front line, Euractiv reports. The aim is to create a kill zone of 10 to 15 km to protect Ukrainian positions and prevent Russian troops from advancing.

Kyiv also plans to order 25,000 unmanned ground vehicles in the first half of the year, with logistics on the front line increasingly to be handled by robotic systems. The army is particularly seeking drone operators, engineers, medics, IT specialists, drivers and welders.

Recruitment remains decentralized, with individual units competing for recruits. Initial training will take place at three specialized centers equipped with simulators. Ukrainian forces have also received training support since 2022 from the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM).

(pir)