Ukrainian special operators are adjusting their approaches for storming Russian-held trenches. They must maintain ongoing observation of the skies because the increase in drones across combat areas requires soldiers to revise their methods continuously.

"Our preparation routines have evolved," an operator from the 4th Ranger Regiment of Ukraine's Special Operations Forces explained. "We have increased our reliance on uncrewed aerial vehicles and devote far greater focus to neutralizing drone threats."

"We also practice infiltration using small teams regularly," the operator, serving as second-in-command of his unit, noted during discussion. He asked to be referred to solely by his call sign "Gur" due to operational security.

The extended front across southern and eastern Ukraine has become what troops and leaders call a "kill zone," a region dense with drones capable of striking moving targets such as personnel and transports.

This zone differs in breadth but generally spans about 10 to 20 kilometers from the forward line. Ukrainian authorities note that it continues to widen, prompting leaders to alter their approaches.

For these elite units, drones now feature prominently in preparation that previously centered on enduring Russian artillery barrages.

Gur explained that drone operators join in drills. Personnel learn to detect overhead dangers, counter simulated enemy drones, protect nearby comrades, and find cover. During movement exercises they rehearse hiding techniques and resume advance once the drone departs.

Operators incorporate pump-action shotguns in live-fire sessions. Ukrainian fighters view these arms as effective emergency tools against first-person-view drones, especially fiber-optic models resistant to jamming.

The widespread use of drones has also altered how special operators conduct trench-clearing missions, a combat style revived by the conflict and now complicated by aerial and robotic elements.

The trench fighting in Ukraine evokes World War I comparisons, yet drones and robots add a modern dimension that heightens the challenge of an already demanding task.

Gur outlined a case where a four-person team clears a trench by advancing in pairs. The lead soldier aims a weapon at the trench while the second trails several meters back, monitoring above.

Upon spotting a Russian drone the pair engages it. "This can be done with a regular rifle or a pump-action shotgun," Gur stated.

The trailing pair provides support until the first reaches the trench and starts clearing. The initial pair then signals the second to advance. With all four together at least one watches the sky.

"When operating in pairs one soldier clears inside the trench while the other assists and observes the airspace overhead," Gur said. "Upon exiting the trench the first watches the ground and horizon while the partner scans the sky."

"We then continue advancing in this manner," Gur added. "Someone must always watch the sky. This must occur without interruption."