Through sabotage, assassinations, and intelligence collection, Ukrainian special operations troops are covertly preparing for an offensive while utilizing their integration with NATO for improved efficacy and interoperability. 

Ukrainian special operations forces (SOF) are covertly preparing for an upcoming offensive by conducting acts of sabotage, drone strikes, and targeted assassinations against high-value targets in occupied territories and Russia’s border regions. These operations align with the typical methods used by special forces. Ukrainian SOF also gather intelligence through deep reconnaissance, utilizing language skills and superior training to infiltrate enemy lines and gather information. They employ unconventional tactics, targeted actions, and establish resistance networks, sometimes using pro-Ukraine Russian nationals. Ukrainian SOF’s integration with NATO has provided them access to superior equipment, increasing their effectiveness and interoperability. The current role of Ukrainian SOF contrasts with their initial combat role during the invasion, where they fought alongside regular units and territorial defense forces. The shaping of the battlespace through covert actions is crucial to the success of the upcoming counteroffensive, and the idea of large-scale maneuver operations may not reflect the current situation along the frontline. 

Source: https://cepa.org/article/ukrainian-special-forces-preparing-the-battlefield/