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Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members. Each Monday, we bring you a curated selection of articles from Ukrainian media offering insight into how Ukrainians themselves debate the issues shaping their country.American coverage often narrows the view to the battlefield — these pieces widen it, revealing the texture of daily life, politics, and public argument in a nation at war. The perspectives gathered here are varied, candid, and often surprising, together forming a more complete picture of Ukraine as it really is.Frontline and StrategyЦензор.НЕТ — Cenzor.NETNews and opinion site with a strong pro-defense, front-line focus“The Enemy Changes the Tactics of Using Shaheds” By Mykola Melnyk/ Mar. 5, 2026Russian forces are reportedly changing how they deploy Shahed drones, shifting strikes closer to Ukraine’s frontline because long-range control issues and stronger air defenses make deep attacks harder, according to Mykola Melnyk. This creates new risks: closer to the line of battle, aircraft and small mobile air-defense teams are less effective, and interceptor drones struggle against large swarms. If 1,000–2,000 drones strike a narrow frontline sector in waves, they could overwhelm command systems and defenses, Melnyk explains. He argues Ukraine must urgently adapt — strengthening frontline defenses, burying and protecting communications, expanding interceptor drone units, and preparing reserves for possible large-scale Russian offensives.“We need to look for systemic solutions to counter the shaheds at the forefront. After all, imagine that in one zone 20 kilometers wide and 40 depth, 1000-2000 shaheds will fly in several waves. What management will remain after this? Will the defense system survive? Will we be able to effectively keep the front in such a section?”***Новий час — Novyi chas (“The New Voice of Ukraine”)Popular Ukrainian news site with a strong reputation for accuracy“What