While Ukrainian and Russian forces mainly fight with conventional weapons, Europe’s first major war in the internet age has also sparked a technological battle. The two sides compete with each other using advanced technologies such as drones and satellite internet.
Although Kiev and Moscow have not lagged behind each other in this kind of warfare so far, Ukraine’s Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is confident that his country has enough motivation and capabilities to defeat Russia in the “battle of technology”.
In an interview with The Associated Press on Friday, Fedorov said drones, electronic warfare, satellite communications and other technologies have become a fundamental part of the war with Russia that began more than a century ago. a year.
“Technology allows traditional and modern artillery to be more accurate, and it helps save the lives of our soldiers,” he said. “When you have your eyes on the top, you can make better decisions about commanding your troops.”
He acknowledged that Russia is also aware of the importance of military technology, actively developing and improving its own.
“Every day new drones from our side and from Russia appear on the battlefield,” Fedorov said. “We see what kind of drones they have. We receive them, analyze them and study them.
He said the Ukrainian government plans to invest in new technology projects to encourage more competition and innovation.
“In this technological war, we will definitely win,” he said. “Even if less than 50-60% of the projects we support bring a result, it can be decisive on the battlefield.”
Anticipation of a possible Ukrainian counter-offensive in the spring has grown in recent weeks. Fedorov said it was impossible to imagine effective operations without the use of combat technology.
Ukraine has not carried out major operations to liberate the occupied territories since Kiev recaptured Kherson and part of the Kherson region from Moscow last November. At the same time, there are increasing reports of Russian territory being attacked by drones.
In recent months, UAV-assisted attacks have mainly taken place in southern and western Russia, which testifies to the growing technological power of the Ukrainian military.
After each strike, Russian authorities blamed Ukraine for the attack, but Minister Fedorov did not openly take responsibility. Instead, he stressed Kiev’s right to attack any target in response to Russian aggression.
Fedorov said the effect of using drones is obvious: Moscow has started moving its armored vehicles away from the front line.
“Some developments have made a difference, but we continue to develop these rewarding experiences,” he said, declining to give further details.
Commenting on last year’s longest battle for the city of Bakhmut, Fedorov said “the use of technology is invaluable in such situations”.
“When you have limited artillery resources, weapons, ammunition and attack drones, you need to be as accurate as possible,” he said. Such precision can be obtained in particular using drones.
However, Fedorov said, with a front line stretching thousands of miles, heavy weapons and armored vehicles – traditional weapons – remain essential. He added that the technology could help Ukraine detect potential targets, but that the army has not been able to hit 100% of identified targets because the Ukrainian armed forces do not have enough artillery and ammunition. Fedorov underlined the “crucial importance” of providing the aid promised to Kiev by Western partners.
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