In an exclusive essay for CNN, Ukraine's army chief, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, emphasized the need for Ukraine to adapt to a reduction in military aid from its key allies and place a stronger focus on technology in order to win the ongoing war against Russia. Zaluzhnyi's essay also addressed the challenge of mass mobilization and hinted at a strained relationship with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Notably, Zaluzhnyi made no direct reference to his relationship with President Zelensky or the rumors surrounding his potential dismissal after serving for four years as army chief. Instead, he sought to build on his previous arguments, previously published in an essay in the Economist, which highlighted the importance of unmanned aerial vehicles and electronic warfare capabilities in Ukraine's military strategy.

Zaluzhnyi described the current situation as a war of attrition, characterized by a lack of movement and heavy losses on the battlefield. Despite high expectations earlier in the year for a Ukrainian counteroffensive to regain lost territories, Russian minefields, heavy artillery fire, and the proliferation of First-Person-View (FPV) drones hindered Ukraine's progress. The south, which was the primary focus of the offensive, saw Ukrainian forces advancing only about 20 kilometers out of the intended 70 kilometers to the coast.

In his CNN essay, Zaluzhnyi acknowledged the setbacks and distractions faced by Ukraine's military, including the failure of the United States to agree on a new military aid package. He also referenced international developments in the Middle East diverting attention away from Ukraine's conflict and the perceived weakness of international sanctions against Russia, allowing them to sustain a war of attrition through their military-industrial complex.

The essay suggested a growing sense that Ukraine must rely on its own resources and adopt a self-help approach in the face of these challenges. Zaluzhnyi highlighted Ukraine's successes in the drone industry, including striking Russian naval targets in the Black Sea and launching long-range aerial drones to hit locations in Russia's major cities.

However, Zaluzhnyi expressed concerns about domestic issues, particularly the reluctance of Ukrainian politicians to fully support his call for greater mobilization, recognizing the superior troop numbers of Russia. The army chief acknowledged the need for Ukraine to overcome outdated thinking and embrace technological advancements, emphasizing that technology not only provides a military advantage but also shapes overall strategic approaches to warfare.

As Ukraine navigates the complexities of the ongoing conflict with Russia, Zaluzhnyi's essay underscores the importance of adapting to the reduction in military aid and leveraging technology to secure victory.