Russia uses drones for offensive operations in Donetsk region forests - ISW report
Photo: Russia using UAVs to advance in Donetsk region forests (Getty Images)
The use of drones is enabling Russian forces to advance in the forested areas toward Lyman and Siversk, where they previously faced difficulties conducting operations, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
According to ISW, in the spring of this year, Russian forces improved their ability to block Ukrainian supply lines in forested areas, particularly in the Serebrianske forest toward Lyman and Siversk.
The report noted that "Russian fiber optic UAVs are increasingly denying Ukrainian forces the ability to move safely along forest roads, which were previously protected from Russian FPV drones due to tree coverage."
ISW also reported that Russian forces are actively carrying out missile strikes on Ukrainian training grounds in the rear using advanced reconnaissance UAVs.
The report stated that the occupiers have begun using tactical drones with extended range or other modifications to strike Ukrainian military-industrial and civilian infrastructure in major frontline cities.
Russia is also employing Molniya, Chernika, and Lancet UAVs against industrial infrastructure, hospitals, and military enlistment offices in Kharkiv, Sumy, Kramatorsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
According to an officer from the 138th Special Purpose Center of the Military Law Enforcement Service with the callsign Kasper, near Pokrovsk, the Russian military is actively deploying the elite drone unit Rubikon, which coordinates large-scale UAV attacks. Russian drones not only target Ukrainian Armed Forces positions but also create panic among civilians, attempting to disrupt the city’s defense logistics.
