KYIV, Ukraine - Ukrainian troops are losing multiple days traversing the kill zone just to arrive at forward positions, according to a top defense official who spoke with Business Insider. This transit phase represents the most perilous segment of their deployment.

The kill zone refers to areas near the front saturated by enemy drones that target any movement by personnel or vehicles. Typically spanning 10 to 20 kilometers in depth, the zone continues to widen in many sectors as officials have noted.

Oleksiy Vyskub, Ukraine's first deputy defense minister, indicated the kill zone may expand twofold this year. Infantry units currently expend several days advancing through this contested space while exposed to constant reconnaissance and attack from opposing drones.

Vyskub explained via translator that crossing this deadly corridor poses the highest risk to soldiers' survival. He cautioned that forces might eventually find it impossible to breach the kill zone at all.

Officials aim to substitute drones and ground robots for human logistics teams operating inside the kill zone to reduce exposure to aerial threats.

The expanding kill zone highlights the rapid integration of drones across the battlefield as the conflict grows more automated and Ukraine scales up output of unmanned aerial and ground systems.

Andrii Hrytseniuk, head of the state-backed Brave1 innovation platform, noted that artillery ruled engagements in 2022 at the start of Russia's full invasion. Drone strikes now account for more than 80 percent of attacks, he told Business Insider.

Over 95 percent of these strikes rely on Ukrainian-produced drones rather than imported platforms, Hrytseniuk added. Domestic manufacturing has surged from fewer than 10 firms in 2022 to more than 500 today.

Ukraine fields a diverse drone inventory tailored for reconnaissance, strikes, interception, naval tasks, ground support, and extended-range operations. Platforms use radio links or fiber-optic connections to resist jamming, while newer AI models can operate autonomously after losing operator contact.

Vyskub reported dramatic growth in drone numbers, with Ukraine now producing tens of thousands of interceptor drones monthly for air defense rather than direct infantry engagements.

Kyiv also emphasizes mid-range strike drones capable of hitting targets up to 300 kilometers behind enemy lines. This campaign has disrupted Russian supply lines in the south, including around occupied Crimea.

Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated last month that prioritizing these strikes yields visible results, with data showing fewer Russian assaults when rear-area forces suffer losses.

Fedorov described mid-range drones as a key technological edge. Vyskub emphasized how technology reshapes warfare, noting many commanders excel with data analysis despite limited traditional training.

The classic clash of infantry and artillery is fading into history, Vyskub concluded.