Ukraine and Russia: The Battle on Multiple Fronts
In an unprecedented escalation, Russia claimed on Friday, June 14, to have shot down 87 Ukrainian drones during the night, 70 of which targeted the Rostov region, housing the headquarters of the Russian operation in Ukraine. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the attempted terrorist attack by Ukraine was thwarted, with air defense systems intercepting and destroying drones across various regions, including Belgorod, Volgograd, Voronezh, Kursk, and even the Crimean peninsula. The attack did not result in any casualties but caused power cuts in several localities in the Rostov region and minor damage to an oil depot in Voronezh.
The Grim Reality of Mine Warfare
As discussions on the reconstruction of Ukraine continue in Berlin, the grim reality on the ground remains a major challenge. Russia has heavily laden Ukraine with minefields and booby traps, creating a nightmarish scenario for mine clearance teams. Tymur Pistriuha, head of the NGO 'Association of Ukrainian Mine Clearers,' provided startling figures — at least 1,000 civilians have fallen victim to mines and unexploded ordnance from the ongoing war. Over 144,000 square kilometers of land require mine clearance, complicating the reconstruction efforts. Pistriuha highlighted that Russia has used a 'chaotic' pattern of mine deployment, lacing areas with mixed mines and booby traps, making demining operations perilous and labor-intensive.
Ukraine's struggle is compounded by a shortage of personnel needed for these operations. High-tech solutions like explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robots, drones, and artificial intelligence are being deployed, but the sheer scale of the task demands more manpower and financial resources. Pistriuha called for international support to meet the financial and technological needs for their demining activities, which is crucial for any reconstruction agenda.
The Role of Drones in Modern Warfare
Drones play a crucial role on both sides of the Ukraine war, posing significant challenges for traditional weapons systems like tanks. Ukraine has initiated measures to protect its tanks, especially the M1 Abrams tanks donated by the USA, from drone attacks. The Steel Front initiative has developed steel cages to shield these tanks, addressing vulnerabilities in their design. These anti-drone shields have been applied to Soviet-era T-72 tanks and are now being extended to other armored vehicles like the Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. Despite these measures, drones continue to present a major threat, disrupting the navigation of tanks and making them easier targets for artillery and anti-tank missiles.
Footage of Abrams tanks clashing with Russian forces west of the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka has showcased the evolving tactics and the escalating importance of drone technology in modern warfare. The 47th Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine, which exclusively uses the Abrams tanks, has faced significant losses, prompting a re-evaluation of tactics in response to the pervasive threat of unmanned aerial systems.
- The war's impact has not been confined to Ukrainian or Russian nationals alone. It has extended to countries like Sri Lanka, which has reported that at least 800 of its men had been recruited under false pretenses to fight on the Russian side. Lured by promises of high-paying jobs, many of these recruits found themselves on the front lines instead, often not receiving the promised compensation. Sri Lanka's government is taking steps to address this, including holding meetings with Russian officials to halt further recruitment and coordinate the safe return of their citizens.
- In a related development, the presence of mines and cluster munitions provided by both Russia and the USA has further complicated the situation on the ground in Ukraine. These munitions often fail to detonate immediately and pose long-term risks to civilians, necessitating extensive clearance efforts post-conflict.
