Ukraine, Netherlands take Drone Line project to next level
Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov (photo: facebook.com)
Ukraine and the Netherlands are deepening cooperation in drone production, expanding the Drone Line project, said Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov during his joint briefing with Dutch Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius.
Read also: Russia's losses surpass those of every war since World War II
Fedorov says that Ukraine's Drone Line currently includes more than 1,000 crews. In January and February 2026, they accounted for every third Russian soldier eliminated.
Ukraine will continue developing UAV components within corps-level formations. The creation of dedicated drone regiments has already begun, and they will soon be present in all corps-level units.
"In January, Russia's losses exceeded the number of newly mobilized troops—in some sectors, the enemy was losing up to 170 soldiers for every kilometer of advance. Fifty thousand enemy losses per month is part of our war plan," the minister added.
He also said four other key issues were discussed: Dutch support for the F-16 program, countering Russia's shadow fleet, radar systems, and the supply of long-range artillery ammunition.
"I thank the Netherlands for its leadership and consistent support, including the decision to transfer PAC-3 missiles and finance the PURL program. We are also ready to provide partners with access to Ukrainian defense innovations. We are working on creating a permanent mechanism for data and technology exchange," the minister concluded.
Russian losses rising
Earlier, NATO stated that Russia has lost about 1.3 million troops (killed and wounded) since the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine—more than even Ukraine's General Staff estimates. The Financial Times also reported that the sharp rise in Russian army losses is increasingly complicating the Kremlin's offensive plans.
Ukrainian intelligence has also said that Russia is facing financial difficulties and significant frontline losses. This could force Russian President Vladimir Putin to consider a pause in the war or make difficult decisions regarding further mobilization.
