Russia deploys elite UAV units to Donetsk region: What threats this poses

The Russian occupiers have reinforced the Donetsk front by transferring elite drone operator units from Kursk region.

This was reported by Denys Kardash, Chief Sergeant of the Black Raven UAV battalion of the 93rd «Kholodnyi Yar» Brigade, during an interview on Radio NV.

According to Denys Kardash, these units are called «Rubicon» and «Night of Judgment.» These fighters proved themselves in Kursk region, effectively destroying Ukrainian logistics.

«These are groups of skilled pilots. They performed well for their command in Kursk, disrupting our logistics. They gained experience, were consolidated, and are well-supplied directly by their command with personnel, equipment, and everything else,» the serviceman says.

The occupiers actively use fiber-optic-guided drones, «Lancets,» and «Molniyas» to attack logistical routes and equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Defense Forces are actively adapting to the new conditions. Denys Kardash emphasized that tactics have significantly changed over the past 2–3 months. Changes have affected logistics — movement methods and timing — as well as methods of protecting shelters for both infantry and UAV operators.

«The protection of shelters for our guys — both infantry and pilots — has changed. We’re protecting them differently now, and it solves many issues. The Russians use fiber optics and are skilled at it. These are mostly ambushes targeting our equipment. We know how to detect them. We have observation posts and surveillance. We identify and destroy them, and we’re already performing better in this regard,» the sergeant added, highlighting improvements in countering enemy drones.