As of the end of the week, Russian forces have ramped up their ground assaults in the Sloviansk direction, although Ukrainian troops maintain control over the territory. Throughout the week, the Russian military has been utilizing drones, aircraft, and conducting reconnaissance operations continuously.
In a recent broadcast on May 17, Senior Lieutenant Serhiy Luhovyk, head of the personnel group of the anti-aircraft missile division of the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Hetman Ivan Mazepa, provided insights into the current military situation. He noted that Russian forces have recently limited their use of light equipment, instead focusing on FPV drones deployed directly at the front lines. The primary objective of these drones is to target Ukrainian Armed Forces positions and disrupt logistics.
“The enemy employs strike drones against civilian infrastructure and logistical routes in Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, as well as multiple launch rocket systems, artillery, and aircraft, dropping guided and unguided bombs within the brigade’s area of responsibility. The enemy avoids approaching our units directly, opting to conduct their strikes several kilometers away from the line of combat engagement,” Luhovyk stated.
According to the senior lieutenant, due to the effective operations of Ukrainian defense forces, Russian troops are refraining from flying directly over the combat line and are instead dropping munitions from a distance. Ukrainian forces have demonstrated considerable effectiveness in countering Russian drones through the use of interceptors, electronic warfare systems, and fire groups.
“For the enemy, our logistics represent a top priority. I would differentiate between frontline logistics and that of the more rearward areas, specifically the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. There, the enemy employs guided bombs and strike drones like the ‘Molniya 2’, which can carry FPV drones. At the frontline, they utilize FPV drones on fiber-optic ‘waiters’. These drones target vehicles transporting munitions and fuel to the front, as well as equipment, which are their main priorities,” he explained.
Additionally, Russian forces are actively conducting reconnaissance to identify Ukrainian supply depots and locations of military resources, subsequently launching strikes against these targets. Luhovyk highlighted that the enemy employs natural landscapes, infrastructure, and camouflage nets for concealment.
Russian drone unit ‘Rubikon’ has also been reported operating in the area, according to Luhovyk.
“In our sector, there is a unit known as ‘Rubikon’, which is well-known in the information space as one of the professional enemy drone units. Regarding their infantry personnel, their training is subpar, and motivation is even lower; however, this does not prevent the enemy from conducting systematic strong assaults and somehow encouraging their soldiers to advance, even at the cost of their lives,” he remarked.
According to the General Staff, Russian forces have attempted to storm positions towards Rai-Oleksandrivka and in the vicinity of Zakittne twice in the past day.
The Russian military has intensified its operations in the Sloviansk region, employing drones and artillery while Ukrainian forces maintain territorial control. Senior Lieutenant Serhiy Luhovyk provided insights into the tactical developments, highlighting the effectiveness of Ukrainian defenses against these assaults.