An Entire New Tropical Battlefield Just Opened Up in Ukraine

A New Battlefield in the Former Kakhovka Reservoir

After the Nova Kakhovka Dam was destroyed in 2023, the Kakhovka Reservoir drained. Its exposed ground has since dried and become covered in vegetation, including dense wooded areas.

According to the reporter and a Ukrainian FPV-drone pilot, Russian troops have tried to use this terrain to approach Ukrainian positions in small groups and bypass established defenses. The report says several assaults were quickly stopped, with some Russian soldiers killed or captured. It describes Russian claims of major advances as propaganda.

Challenges for Ukrainian Defenses

The changing landscape creates new challenges for Ukraine. Drones are central to Ukrainian surveillance and defense, but tree cover can obstruct them. Ukrainian troops were reportedly prepared to defend positions in the woods, using cameras outside their positions to watch for approaching assault groups.

The reporter describes traveling in a heavily armored vehicle fitted with anti-drone protection to a position roughly six kilometres from Russian forces. The journey and unloading supplies were especially dangerous because of Russian drones. He also says Ukrainian systems can track incoming guided bombs in real time.

Other Battlefield Adaptations

The report highlights several other adaptations:

• A wounded soldier is evacuated by air.
• Ground robots are being used more widely for operations and evacuation.
• Soldiers are building underground networks to shelter and move amid drone surveillance.
• Ukrainian jet-powered interceptor drones are reportedly targeting faster, jet-powered attack drones.

Concerns Around Kramatorsk

The report tempers its examples of Ukrainian innovation with concern about the situation around Kramatorsk. Citing local sources, the reporter says a new 4 p.m. curfew was expected to begin on November 1, alongside preparations such as fortifications and requests for volunteers to leave.

He presents this as a warning sign, while noting that the front line and the extent of Russian advances remain unclear.

Overall Assessment

The report argues that both the geography and tactics of the war are changing rapidly. The drained reservoir has opened an unfamiliar, forested approach that could complicate Ukraine’s defenses.

Presenters and Contributors

Caolan Robertson (reporter/presenter); an unnamed Ukrainian FPV-drone pilot; Ukrainian soldiers and commanders; and unnamed local sources.