The occupiers are trying to advance toward Hulyaypole in small groups
In the Huliaipole sector, Russian troops continue to actively deploy small infantry groups. The occupiers are attempting to gradually close in on Ukrainian positions and advance deeper into the defensive lines.
According to him, Ukrainian troops are not always able to destroy the enemy before it reaches their positions. Often, the enemy is detected only at close range.
“We cannot fully ensure the defense of our positions before the enemy even begins to approach them. Unfortunately, it often happens that we only find the enemy and detect them when they are already getting closer to our positions. Therefore, we engage and destroy the enemy as we can: as soon as we spot them, we take them out,” the commander explained.
He noted that Russian troops in this sector are actively using small-group tactics. This approach allows the occupiers to gradually advance and penetrate deeper behind Ukrainian infantry positions.
Despite this, Ukrainian defenders are managing to hold back the enemy and maintain their section of the front line.
Separately, the commander spoke about the Russians’ use of drones. According to him, in the Huliaipole sector, the occupiers primarily use radio-controlled drones.
The reason is the terrain—trees, the landscape, and other obstacles that make it difficult to effectively use fiber-optic-guided drones.
Ukrainian drone operators are trying not only to destroy Russian infantry but also to push the enemy as far away from Ukrainian positions as possible, identify their locations, and strike them. Another mission is to locate and neutralize enemy drone operators.
Dumenkov also spoke about Project “Seven,” which aims to recruit new military personnel into unmanned aerial vehicle units.
According to him, modern warfare increasingly relies on the use of UAVs, so the army needs not only pilots for strike and long-range drones but also specialists who ensure their operation.
“Seven” brings together seven brigades, which one can join as a pilot, engineer, computer technology specialist, or in other fields related to unmanned systems.
“There are many important roles related to drones—roles needed to support the drones and the units that operate them. That’s why the ‘Seven’ project is designed to maximize everyone’s potential—so that anyone can join and know they’ll be utilized based on their specific strengths,” the military officer emphasized.
Viktor Dumenkov, commander of the unmanned systems battalion of the 61st Separate Mechanized Steppe Brigade, spoke about this on the “Yedyny Novyny” news program.
Intelligence has estimated how many years Russia will be able to wage war.
The Kremlin has stated that any negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine are unacceptable unless they meet all of Moscow’s demands. Even in the event of possible territorial concessions, Moscow will not stop and will continue to insist on the fulfillment of its conditions.
Lavrov noted that Russia will only be satisfied with control of the entire Donbas and a change of government in Ukraine.
