Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia continues frequent assaults on the front lines despite a lull in large-scale missile and air strikes.

This persistence of ground combat suggests that a reduction in aerial bombardments does not signal a broader cessation of hostilities. The continued pressure on the front lines forces Ukraine to maintain high alert and resource allocation despite the temporary shift in Russian tactics.

Zelensky said Russian forces carried out over 150 assaults [1] over the past two days. He also said Ukrainian positions faced more than 100 shellings [2] during the same period.

The President highlighted a significant surge in unmanned aerial vehicle activity. He said there were almost 10,000 kamikaze drone strikes [3] within the last two days.

Zelensky said that Ukraine will respond in kind to these actions. He said that the Ukrainian military intends to mirror the tactics used by Russian forces to deter further offensive operations.

While large-scale missile strikes have slowed, the volume of ground-based attacks and drone activity indicates a sustained effort to seize territory. Zelensky said the current situation proves Russia has not halted its offensive actions, a reality that shapes Ukraine's current defensive and offensive strategy.

“Russia continues frequent assaults on the front despite a lull in large‑scale missile and air strikes”

The disparity between the decrease in strategic missile strikes and the increase in tactical drone and ground assaults indicates a shift in Russian operational focus. By utilizing high volumes of cheaper kamikaze drones and infantry assaults, Russia can maintain pressure on the front lines while preserving expensive long-range munitions. Ukraine's commitment to a 'mirrored' response suggests a strategy of attrition and deterrence designed to make such tactical aggression costly for the Russian military.