New York Times columnist Constance Meheut has drawn parallels between the conflict in Ukraine and World War I, arguing that the similarities go far beyond surface-level comparisons.

She noted that both wars share key features, including the grinding, exhausting nature of combat and the way new technologies have reshaped the battlefield. In her view, modern innovations are transforming warfare much as earlier breakthroughs did more than a century ago.

A similar perspective is held by Ukrainian historian Yaroslav Hrytsak, who believes the current crisis could rank among the most significant conflicts in modern European history. According to him, like World War I, it is reshaping the continent’s geopolitical landscape, altering military alliances and driving a large-scale buildup of military capabilities.

The article also highlights the role of emerging technologies. While tanks and aircraft marked a turning point during World War I, drones now play a comparable role on today’s battlefield. Military analysts say unmanned systems have made modern combat just as dangerous and unpredictable as it was during the early 20th century.

At the same time, the New York Times points out that both conflicts have gradually evolved into largely static confrontations, with front lines that shift little over time. The widespread use of fortifications and bunkers is described by experts as a return to trench-style warfare reminiscent of World War I.