Winter no longer offers a pause on the front line for Ukrainian troops. This is reported by The New York Times, whose correspondents spoke directly with servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

According to the soldiers, the sharp increase in the number of drones has erased the traditional seasonal slowdown. Combat operations now continue at the same pace throughout the year, regardless of the weather. In practical terms, they said, the difference between summer and winter has been reduced to temperature alone, while the intensity of fighting remains unchanged.

The newspaper also notes that Russian units are actively exploiting adverse weather conditions as cover for movement along the line of contact. Dense cloud cover, fog, and heavy snowfall are being used to mask advances and reduce visibility.

A military analyst from the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia, Rob Lee, told the paper that poor weather increases the likelihood that a larger share of personnel can cross the front line without being detected. Ukrainian servicemen interviewed by the outlet echoed this assessment, describing periods of heavy snowfall and deteriorating visibility as the most dangerous moments for them.

Media reports had previously pointed out that worsening weather creates additional challenges for Ukrainian forces on the front line. Severe cold, in particular, disrupts drone operations, as batteries drain faster and equipment can fail. Under such conditions, the risk of breakthroughs by Russian units increases.