The Armed Forces of Ukraine identified the biggest challenges of 2025: fiber-optic drones and infiltration.

The situation on the battlefield in 2025

According to ТСН: In 2025, the situation on the battlefield changed significantly, and one of the most challenging issues became the mass use of drones operating on fiber optics.

Lieutenant Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Deputy Commander of the Third Army Corps Maksym Zhorin expressed concerns on this matter, noting that there are currently no 'unequivocally effective solutions' to counter enemy drones that utilize fiber optics.

Enemy tactics

Moreover, the enemy has significantly changed its tactics. Zhorin pointed out:

'This concerns the infiltration of enemy groups that penetrate into the rear without even coming into contact with the front line of our forces. Then the enemy accumulates, cuts through logistics, destroys the defense system, etc. Combined with the immense number of drones, this creates a very challenging situation for the Ukrainian army.'

Challenges in the rear

As for the rear, Zhorin drew attention to serious corruption scandals that undermined the morale of the military.

'The next year will obviously not be easier. We will have to adapt to constant changes and improve ourselves; otherwise, we will have no chances. And if there is a ceasefire (which I wouldn't hope for) — we will have to work even more,' he concluded.

Previously, Maksym Zhorin stated that he hasn't seen such speed of enemy advancement on the front for a long time.

This situation highlights the difficulties faced by the Ukrainian army, especially regarding adaptation to new enemy technologies. Countering drone threats and improving internal management mechanisms are key tasks for ensuring defense capability. The important issue of military morale also requires urgent resolution, as the stability of the rear is critically important for success on the front.