Russia intensifies FPV and fiber-optic drone use on Kupiansk front
Photo: Russians have increased the use of fiber-optic and FPV drones in the Kupiansk direction (Getty Images)
Russian forces have increased the use of fiber-optic and FPV drones to attack Ukrainian positions on the Kupiansk direction. The escalation was driven by a counteroffensive by Ukraine's Defense Forces and changing weather conditions.
This was reported by Vitalii Milovidov, head of the communications unit of the 15th Operational Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine Kara-Dag, speaking on Suspilne.
"Weather conditions have worsened significantly. After prolonged fog and rain, strong frosts set in across Ukraine. The weather cleared, and the Russians sharply increased the use of drones toward our positions. Both day and night, electronic warfare systems are overloaded, trying to suppress everything flying toward us," Milovidov said.
According to him, the number of Russian drone attacks also rose following the Defense Forces’ counteroffensive on the outskirts of Kupiansk.
"The enemy has redeployed additional unmanned systems. The Judgment Day unit has entered our sector, and we are already seeing the results of their activity: an increase in fiber-optic drones and strike FPV-wing drones such as the Molniya," the spokesman added.
He noted that the number of Russian infantry assaults on the Kupiansk direction has declined, as weather conditions make movement more difficult. At the same time, Russian forces are building up troops in rear positions on the eastern bank of the Oskil River.
Fighting on the Kupiansk direction
Earlier, Viktor Trehubov, head of communications for Ukraine’s Joint Forces grouping, reported that on the Velykyi Burluk direction, Russian troops regularly attempt to break through the border and have created a small control zone between Vovchansk and Kupiansk.
In Vovchansk itself, Russian forces are trying to advance in the city’s southwestern part, where heavy fighting continues.
It was also reported that on December 12, Russian occupation forces were encircled in Kupiansk — a city that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has claimed was "liberated" twice. Command of the National Guard of Ukraine’s 2nd Corps Khartiia said Ukraine's Defense Forces had carried out a successful counterattack near Kupiansk.
At least 200 Russian troops were trapped in the city. Ukrainian defenders cleared the Yuvileinyi residential area, and during the counteroffensive alone, Russian losses exceeded 1,000 killed.
The operation had been planned and ongoing since the fall.
Ukrainian forces in Kupiansk also destroyed a gas pipeline that Russian troops had been using to infiltrate the city, effectively cutting off their route.
According to the military, an active phase of fighting continues in Kupiansk, with encircled Russian units putting up "very fierce" resistance. However, Ukraine's Defense Forces are continuing operations to eliminate them.
Recently, it became known that Ukrainian troops had pushed Russian occupiers away from Kupiansk and regained control of nearly 90% of the city.
