From drones to deepfakes: How technology shapes Ukraine’s war effort — opinion
As I walk my dog Macho through the village I live in, there's a moment of relative peace, a brief escape from the realities of war. But even during these walks, the sharp, mechanical hum of Russian Shahed drones—likely powered by their bensin engines—can suddenly fill the air.
The loud, unnerving noise is a stark reminder of the ever-present conflict in Ukraine. It’s not unlike the experience of civilians during the Second World War, when the distinct sounds of approaching enemy aircraft or bombs sent people scrambling for cover. Today, we live in an advanced technological age, yet the dread and anxiety stirred by these sounds remain much the same.
This scene underscores the harsh reality Ukraine faces daily. The struggle for survival is not just a matter of geography or diplomacy—it’s a war of attrition, where technology now plays an essential, even decisive, role. As Ukraine fights to preserve its sovereignty, technological superiority is not just an advantage; it is a necessity. In the short term, it may well be the key to ensuring Ukraine’s survival.
Ukraine’s geopolitical reality
Ukraine's place in global politics has shifted dramatically since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. What was once a nation striving for closer integration with Western institutions like the European Union and NATO is now the frontline of a much larger battle—the defense of the democratic world order itself. Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression is not just about defending its borders; it is about safeguarding the principles of self-determination, sovereignty, and democracy, which resonate far beyond its territory.
Ukraine has garnered unprecedented international support, both diplomatically and militarily. But this support, while crucial, does not fully address a critical issue: Ukraine’s manpower and resources are finite. Russia, despite its internal challenges, continues to have access to a seemingly inexhaustible pool of soldiers and equipment. This imbalance puts Ukraine in a position where it must compensate through other means—and that’s where technological innovation comes into play.
Technology as Ukraine’s critical edge
As traditional military resources dwindle, Ukraine has increasingly turned to technology to maintain a competitive edge on the battlefield. From anti-drone systems and AI-powered surveillance to advanced missile defense systems like IRIS-T and Patriot, the technological capabilities Ukraine has acquired are essential to countering Russia's numerical superiority.
Anti-aircraft engagements against Shahed drones, like the one I heard during my walk with Macho, are a daily occurrence. These Iranian-made drones, used by Russia, represent the type of threat that Ukraine must mitigate in real-time. They target both military and civilian infrastructure, aiming to erode Ukraine's resilience. Without advanced radar, interception, and communication systems, these drones could wreak untold destruction. The noise of a Shahed overhead is a harsh reminder that technology is no longer just a tool of convenience—it is the linchpin of national survival.
Ukraine’s heavy reliance on foreign-supplied weapons systems underscores this reality. From HIMARS and Leopard tanks to sophisticated drones and anti-aircraft systems, Ukraine’s military now depends heavily on the technological support provided by its allies. However, Ukraine’s future security hinges on something more sustainable: the development of its own technological infrastructure and expertise.
The push for technological sovereignty
In the long term, Ukraine needs to become a technological leader in its own right. The war has already catalyzed a surge in innovation and resourcefulness. Ukrainian engineers and tech entrepreneurs have stepped up to create new solutions for warfare and civilian life alike. From domestically-produced drones to new types of digital warfare tools, Ukraine is transforming itself into a tech hub with defense capabilities tailored specifically to its needs.
But technological sovereignty requires more than just ingenuity. It requires sustained investment, not only from Ukraine itself but from its international partners. Ukraine must be equipped not just with weapons, but with the skills and infrastructure to develop its own advanced systems. This is crucial, especially in the context of Ukraine’s human capital challenges. Every lost soldier is a tragedy, but every technological advancement that reduces the need for large-scale human mobilization can save lives.
Manpower is a finite resource, and Ukraine’s population—already stressed by eight years of conflict in the Donbas—is under tremendous strain. As the war drags on, conscription has reached deeper into Ukrainian society. The people on the front lines are not just soldiers by profession; they are teachers, farmers, software engineers, and students. And as the pool of able-bodied fighters dwindles, the country’s ability to maintain a prolonged defense becomes more tenuous. Technology, by contrast, is scalable. It doesn’t tire, and it doesn’t mourn its dead.
The global context
As Ukraine builds its technological edge, its role in global geopolitics continues to evolve. No longer just a buffer state between East and West, Ukraine is emerging as a key player in the international system—a country whose survival is tied to the future of global democracy and security.
Ukraine’s success or failure will have profound implications for the world order. A victory for Ukraine could solidify a more united and resilient Europe, while a defeat would embolden authoritarian regimes, from Moscow to Beijing. It’s a heavy burden for any country to bear, but Ukraine is not alone. The global community has a stake in its survival, and that means ensuring that Ukraine not only receives the technological support it needs but that it is able to develop its own cutting-edge systems.
The whir of a Shahed drone overhead is more than just an ominous sound; it is a reminder of the technological warfare that now defines this conflict. Ukraine’s future depends not just on the bravery of its soldiers, but on its ability to master the technologies that will allow it to survive and ultimately prevail. As I walk with Macho, reflecting on the surreal experience of living through war, I’m reminded that Ukraine’s fight is not just for land or borders, but for its place in the future world—where technology will dictate who survives and thrives.
In the short term, Ukraine’s survival hinges on technological superiority. In the long term, its future depends on becoming a leader in that technology. It is through this lens that we must view Ukraine’s role in global politics today—not just as a nation under siege, but as a proving ground for the future of warfare and, ultimately, the future of democracy.
The military war may be swinging in our favor, but the information war continues.
Just as an army needs soldiers, so does a free society need its journalists to ensure that people have access to honest, trustworthy voices to understand the world around them.
For the past five years, The New Voice of Ukraine has been working tirelessly to push back against Russian narratives and defend democracy. But we cannot do it alone.
Please consider supporting us on Patreon for just $5 a month – your donation does directly to supporting journalists and ensuring that this front of the infowar says solid and defended.
Thank you.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
