Ukraine and Russia prepare for large-scale military actions on rear fronts: destruction of critical infrastructure within 20-50 km from the border as a strategic tactic
Amid intensifying military conflict between Ukraine and Russia, both sides are actively escalating not only combat operations on the front lines but also significantly strengthening their efforts on so-called rear fronts, extending 20-50 kilometers from the national border.
Experts in communications, electronic warfare, and intelligence, such as Sergey “Flesh” Beskrestnov, warn that Russia and Ukraine are pursuing a strategic goal of systematically destroying critical infrastructure to make these territories uninhabitable and unusable for both civilians and military personnel.
This involves targeted attacks using drones, guided missiles, and rocket systems to disable energy, telecommunication, logistics, and gas supply networks, thereby reducing the enemy’s operational capabilities.
According to Beskrestnov, even if active hostilities on the main fronts pause, combat in the rear zones will continue, employing drones, aviation bombs, rockets, and reactive systems.
Modern Russian drones have become increasingly resistant to electronic warfare, complicating Ukrainian defense efforts.
Beskrestnov recommends Ukraine focus on monitoring and analyzing attack videos on key targets, developing early warning systems for both civilians and troops, detecting and countering Russian military hardware and units using advanced technologies, constructing electronic warfare and drone protection systems, and creating secured logistical chains and shelters in rear areas.
He warns that static rear defenses will weaken and retreat further into depth unless proactive measures are taken.
Previously, Egor Firsov, officer of the Kraken drone unit, highlighted that grid corridors set up over roads and front-line settlements only provide 20-30% protection against Russian FPV drone strikes.
To better counter these threats, Ukraine needs to develop and scale new technological solutions.
Valeriy Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom and former Commander-in-Chief, stresses the importance of upgrading drone defense strategies by revising military structures and deploying innovative technologies.
Overall, the situation demands a multifaceted approach and active efforts to secure rear positions, which are crucial for the overall success in resisting aggression.