Ukraine Update 2025: Technology Shapes the Battlefield

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine presses forward, driven by superior-size forces and Putin’s unwillingness to agree to meaningful cease fire negotiations. However, Russian progress has been remarkably slow due mainly to Ukraine’s ability to master technology. Ukraine is one of the world’s leading producers of battlefield drones, and small groups of Ukrainian soldiers are able to hold in check regiment-sized attacking Russian forces. These are called “Spiderweb drone assault forces.” On their part, Russians continue to destroy Ukrainian infrastructure, including hospitals and residential neighborhoods, with their drones and ballistic missiles. This course will cover the most current events in the war and offer insights into likely outcomes.

Tom Fedyszyn, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College following 18 years on its teaching faculty. A retired Navy captain, he commanded a cruiser and a destroyer. His shore assignments included being the U.S. Naval attaché in Russia as well as the Russia branch chief for the international military staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. He is published widely on the Russian Navy and foreign affairs. He holds a Ph.D. in political science and international relations from Johns Hopkins University.