At the front, Ukrainian commanders shrug off Zelenskyy's ministerial changes

At the front lines in eastern Ukraine, the political turbulence in Kyiv, including the recent dismissals of the defense minister and top military commander, feels distant to soldiers and officers. While thousands in the capital demonstrate in support of the ousted defense minister, those facing Russian forces daily are preoccupied with immediate battlefield realities.

"We have other things to think about. Few here notice who the minister is," is a common sentiment among soldiers interviewed by DN. Their primary concerns revolve around the evolving tactics of the Russian military and the challenges of the upcoming autumn season. They note Russia's increasing use of jet-powered Shahed drones, which resemble cruise missiles but are produced at a fraction of the cost, and the difficulty in neutralizing them.

Both sides have also increased their capacity for medium-range drones, capable of reaching 25 to 200 kilometers into enemy territory. These drones significantly hinder movement, troop transfers, and logistics, posing a constant threat. The commanders and soldiers are keenly aware of these developments, anticipating that the onset of autumn, when trees lose their leaves, will expose Russian forces more readily, potentially increasing their already significant losses.

Despite the focus on immediate threats, the impact of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov's initiatives, particularly his emphasis on drone technology and digitalization, is acknowledged. Soldiers recognize that unmanned systems save lives and recall Fedorov's direct engagement with Elon Musk that led to the restriction of Starlink services for Russia, providing Ukraine a crucial advantage. Even older soldiers, less accustomed to technology, are adapting to new systems, including an Amazon-like platform for managing weapons, highlighting the integration of advanced technology into modern warfare.

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We have other things to think about. Few here notice who the minister is.