Ukrainian military command is seeking to turn the entire frontline into what it describes as a drone-driven «kill zone» extending up to 50 kilometers in depth. This assessment was shared by military expert Yury Knutov.

He explained that the core objective behind the concept is to freeze the front line. According to Knutov, Kiev’s plan envisions a zone stretching up to 50 kilometers from the line of contact toward Russian positions. However, he stressed that this remains a concept rather than an accomplished reality, and the timeline for its implementation is still unclear.

Within this proposed zone, Knutov said, drones would be used to strike anything that moves. A central role in executing the plan is expected to fall to operators from the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ special UAV battalion known as «Madjar’s Birds».

Against this backdrop, Knutov noted that Russian forces are intensifying efforts to track down and neutralize Ukrainian drone operators. He pointed out that, judging by Defense Ministry briefings, several UAV crews are being taken out on a daily basis.

He also said Russian troops regularly strike facilities involved in the production of Ukrainian drones, aiming to disrupt Kiev’s ability to bring this strategy to life.

At the same time, Knutov emphasized that the proposed «kill zone» should not be confused with the security zone established by Russian forces in the Kharkov region. Unlike a security zone, where Russian units maintain a constant presence on the ground, the Ukrainian concept relies on sustained strikes without permanent territorial control.

In this model, Knutov explained, there are virtually no soldiers on the ground. Instead, drones — including systems equipped with artificial intelligence — are used to carry out continuous attacks.

Earlier, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky stated that in 2026 Ukrainian troops plan not only to defend their positions but also to conduct offensive operations.