Ukrainian forces hold back elite Russian UAV unit on Kupiansk front
On the Kupiansk front, Ukrainian troops repel Russian attacks daily, but they now face a new challenge — the deployment of an elite Russian UAV unit called “Rubikon” to this sector.
This was reported by Vladyslav Zolotaryov, an officer of the “Orion” unit of the “Gvardiya Nastuupu” brigade, during a telemarathon broadcast.
“Directly on our front is an enemy unit called Rubikon — it is an elite UAV unit of our adversary,” he explained.
According to Zolotaryov, the unit’s main task is to disrupt Ukrainian logistics by striking transport on the frontline. The drones attack almost continuously, every 3–5 minutes.
Due to these constant attacks, traditional methods of delivering supplies have become too dangerous. They are now replaced by ground robotic complexes (GRCs) and “Vampire” systems.
“Vampires” are foreign unmanned platforms that move without a driver and allow the delivery of ammunition, drones, and even personnel under constant enemy fire.
Despite the intense pressure, Ukrainian defenders hold their positions and prevent Russian forces from advancing.
“The enemy tries to advance, but we have a kill zone that does not allow them to move forward or occupy new lines,” Zolotaryov emphasized.
The “Orion” unit has been stationed in this sector since late spring 2025. According to the officer, the enemy’s mission — to break through the defense — has remained unchanged, but so far, it has been unsuccessful.
On the Pokrovsk front, Russian forces continue to show especially high activity.
On the Kharkiv frontline, Ukrainian troops spotted the Russian all-terrain ground robotic system “Chelnok.”
Russian forces carried out over 100 strikes in the Sumy region, injuring a woman.
Occupiers attacked Zaporizhzhia with aerial bombs and MLRS, and the Dnipropetrovsk region was also targeted.
A Russian drone attack in Zaporizhzhia injured one person and damaged a State Emergency Service vehicle.
