Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

01 June 2026

2-minute read

The war in Ukraine is entering a new phase described by some analysts as Ukrainian drones increasingly targeting Russian military logistics far behind the front lines.

Professor of comparative politics at the National University of Kyiv, Professor Olexiy Haran points out that whereas previously Ukraine was in defence, they now have a multitude of drones able to overcome large distances, that has led to the “changing dynamic on the ground”. The tactic of the Ukrainians is to destroy Russian oil routes and refineries to hinder the export of oil from the country.

Putin does not care about the number of casualties among Russian soldiers, but he “needs money to sustain the war.” While it is difficult to clarify that Ukraine is in counter-offense, Professor Haran says that he would be very cautious as the Ukrainians are taking more territories and are “killing more Russian soldiers than Russia can mobilise.”

Russia is employing a type of “intimidation” with plans to escalate their attacks on Kiev particularly, while continuing to bomb civilian objects and cities by missile strikes. Ukraine, unfortunately, is at a disadvantage as they are not equipped to prevent the strikes.

But the increased use of drones has outed the battlefield significantly. “A lot has changed,” the professor emphasizes, citing the example of the importance of the use of expensive tanks at the beginning of the war, whereas now much cheaper drones are able to destroy these tanks in a 20-40km “kill zone”.

Kyiv is constantly under bombardment and in danger every day, anticipating Russian strikes of which many are intercepted by Ukraine, but some do get through. For Ukrainian civilians, life is very difficult, Professor Haran mentions, as with every strike, they must spend the night in shelters, with little or no sleep. To outsiders, life in Kiev may look peaceful until one notices the destruction and the monuments devoted to those fallen in the war.  “It’s extremely tough and dangerous,” he mentions.

While parliamentary elections are directly prohibited by the constitution, local elections cannot be conducted with the ongoing war. Free elections cannot take place under martial law, and with the current dictator in power. Ukrainians are demanding a ceasefire but negotiations with Russia are clearly “imitation” with Russia having no intention of ending the war, Professor Haran concludes.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Habib Bobat and Professor Olexiy Haran here.