Interim NATO summit results and tech innovations in 3rd Brigade combating Russian UAVs. Serhiy Zgurets' column

Interim results of the NATO anniversary summit in Washington

Ukraine's full membership in NATO has no alternative. This is reflected in the final document of the NATO anniversary summit in Washington. It states that NATO will support Ukraine on its irreversible path to membership in the Alliance. So far, we can summarize the decisions that define the assistance and support for Ukraine in the near future. So, Ukraine will receive funding of EUR 40 billion over the next year for defense needs. A new structure will also be established to provide assistance and training to the Ukrainian military. This structure will be responsible for the transformation of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine. A NATO-Ukraine Analysis, Education and Training Center will be established to analyze and put into practice the experience and lessons learned from the war between Russia and Ukraine. We are also aware of the promise to provide Ukraine with a certain number of new air defense systems and missiles for these weapons. If all the promised systems are delivered, Ukraine will have 8 batteries of Patriot systems and one battery of SAMP-T.

Ukraine may receive 128 F-16 fighter jets

Now the allies are also discussing an increase in the number of F-16s to be delivered to Ukraine. Previously, we talked about over 80 aircraft, now we are talking about 128 F-16 fighters. The first aircraft should arrive in Ukraine this summer. This was stated by American, Dutch, and Danish officials. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Ukraine should strike at Russian territory, as it is provided for by the right to self-defense. According to him, NATO is helping to realize Ukraine's right to self-defense by supplying weapons to Kyiv. He noted that this includes long-range missiles. Earlier, the United Kingdom said that Ukraine could use Storm Shadow missiles to strike at Russian territory. Discussions are still ongoing regarding the US Atacms missiles. However, such a permit would significantly improve Ukraine's ability to destroy Russian airfields at a distance of up to 300 kilometers.

Russian forces conduct active offensives in 3rd brigade's area of responsibility

Former commander of the Azov Regiment, Major with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, deputy commander of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade Maksym Zhorin said that Russian forces had amassed significant reserves in the brigade's area of responsibility and tried to break through the Ukrainian defense. However, they were not successful. Russian troops were unable to advance a single meter, but suffered huge losses. According to Zhorin, now the Russian troops are trying to conduct assault operations in the area of responsibility of one of the battalions of the 3rd Separate Mechanized Brigade. He noted that the main Russian potential for advancement and active offensive actions in the direction of Borova has been broken. Zhorin also said that Russian troops are now moving their forces and reserves to other areas that are being defended by other brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This is due to the fact that in the direction of Borova they failed to break through the defense organized by the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade.

                                                                                     Map of hostilities in the Borova area as of July 11

Maksym Zhorin elaborated that when preparing for defense, the 3rd Brigade pays great attention to communication with neighboring units operating on the flanks. Often, such communication takes place along with reinforcement with FPV drones and artillery. As the major noted, this directly affects the ability to successfully maintain defense in the brigade's area of responsibility.

Active defense tactics for Ukrainian brigades

Maksym Zhorin said that the units of the 3rd Brigade feel more comfortable and organic during assault operations. The brigade's infantry is always physically and psychologically prepared for such actions. In general, according to Zhorin, the motivational component of the 3rd Brigade allows them to advance quite successfully in certain areas. However, as Zhorin noted, any brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces must be able to successfully hold the line and conduct defensive actions. Every brigade must have these basic skills and abilities. Of course, all the units of the 3rd Brigade would like to be involved in assault operations, where they are more professional and effective. However, now there is a need for defensive actions.

The 3rd Brigade has always supported the idea of mobilizing imprisoned citizens

Maksym Zhorin said that all the commanders of the 3rd Brigade share a common opinion on the issue of mobilizing prisoners. In particular, he said, there are many high-quality and motivated people among the prisoners. Among them are those who are ready and willing to fight against Russia. That is why it was rather strange not to involve the prisoners in the fighting. Zhorin noted that the selection of prisoners should be very careful and that they should be worked with thoroughly. Because these people are quite specific. However, according to him, from the very beginning of discussions about the mobilization of prisoners, the 3rd Brigade supported the idea and were ready to take these citizens. The process of recruiting prisoners is quite complicated. First, they look at the reason for their imprisonment, then analyze their moral, psychological and physical condition, and only then do they have an interview. After that, they undergo basic military training. Only after basic military training will they be assigned to units. Zhorin noted that these people cannot become unit commanders. That is why they will be sent to units that are currently performing combat missions.

Sergeant is a leader on the battlefield for soldiers

Maksym Zhorin, deputy commander of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, said that a sergeant is always the main soldier on the battlefield. He is the one who is looked up to and listened to. This person shows how to behave and what to do on the battlefield by his own example. That is why, according to Zhorin, it is very important to train and educate non-commissioned officers within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Now the rank of sergeant should mean leadership among soldiers. Such approaches differ significantly from those of the Soviet army. Maksym Zhorin also added that, unfortunately, due to the intensity of the fighting and the direct involvement of sergeants, many good and trained ones are dying. Their main task is to be the first to lead the soldiers into battle against the enemy. That is why it is very important today to train sergeants and give them the opportunity to gain experience so that they can pass it on to their soldiers.

Systematic combat against Russian UAVs in the 3rd Separate Mechanized Brigade

Maksym Zhorin, deputy commander of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, said that it is still very difficult to shoot down Russian Orlan drones. However, as for the Russian Zala drones, their downing is almost a done deal. All of this became possible thanks to the people who work with robotic unmanned systems in the brigade. Most of them are young people who bring their ideas and initiatives, which then bring results. Zhorin emphasized that today there is a systematic fight against Russian drones. This struggle is so successful that Russian drones are already trying to fly over the 3rd Separate Mechanized Brigade's area of responsibility.

According to Zhorin, the 3rd Brigade buys some weapons and munitions directly from Ukrainian manufacturers. These processes are forced. Because the brigade wants and has to provide itself with the means that will be effective on the battlefield. Also, the procurement process takes place not only from Ukrainian arms manufacturers, but also from foreign ones. This procedure was a bit complicated by bureaucratic processes, but today it has become easier. Zhorin added that the procurement process must be approved by a senior officer. The brigade itself cannot make purchases. However, there is always a detailed justification of what exactly, why and where the 3rd Brigade wants to buy.