Russia deploys elite drone unit near Kupiansk, Ukrainian officer says
Ukrainian Armed Forces use ground robots against drones (illustrative photo: Getty Images)
On the Kupiansk direction, Ukrainian fighters are holding back daily enemy attacks but have faced a serious challenge — an elite Russian unit deliberately deployed to this section of the frontline, Orion unit officer of the National Guard offensive brigade Vladyslav Zolotaryov said during a national telethon.
What is Rubicon
In the sector where the Orion unit operates, there is an enemy unit called Rubicon.
"In our direction, there is directly an enemy unit called Rubicon — it is an elite drone unit of our enemy," Zolotaryov explained.
The main task of Rubicon is to stop supplies to the frontline. Drones attack transport every three to five minutes.
How the Ukrainian Armed Forces adapted
Due to constant strikes on convoys, traditional transport and quad bikes can no longer deliver cargo. Now this role is performed by ground robotic systems and so-called Vampires.
Vampires are foreign robotic systems that move without a driver and deliver ammunition, drones, and personnel despite enemy air attacks.
Situation on the Kupiansk direction now
Despite constant pressure, Ukrainian positions remain unchanged.
"The enemy is trying to advance, but we have a kill zone that does not allow the enemy to advance or take new positions," the officer said.
The Orion unit has been in this sector since late spring 2025. According to Zolotaryov, the enemy task has not changed since the first day — to move forward. So far, without result.
Meanwhile, according to Commander in Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi, in March, Russian losses from Ukrainian drone strikes increased by 29 percent compared to February. In total, drone units carry out more than 11,000 combat missions every day.
At the same time, there is a pause on the diplomatic front. President Zelenskyy said that trilateral talks with Russia have been postponed due to the shift of the United States attention to the Middle East.
