Russian attack aftermath, Kursk battles intensify, advances near Chasiv Yar. Serhiy Zgurets' column

Russia's attack on Ukraine

The Ukrainian Air Force shot down 62 drones and lost another 26. The attack covered facilities in 12 regions of Ukraine. Unofficial sources reported that one of the drones went down near Brovary. It had a thermobaric warhead, which indicates that the enemy used modified Shaheds. The downed drone bore the serial number 8998, which may indicate an increase in the production of these drones. Ukrainian air defense systems are actively shooting down these drones. We also shot down four Kh-69 cruise missiles with a range of 400 kilometers. One of them fell near Vasylkiv. Analysis of the wreckage showed that the Russians are using cluster munitions aimed at inflicting maximum damage to civilian objects. They are trying to influence the resilience of Ukrainians, but we must follow the example of our military who are holding the line in difficult conditions. 

Situation in the Kursk region

The fighting intensified, particularly near Liubymivka. The Russian troops used armored vehicles for assault operations, but Ukrainian units destroyed at least seven armored vehicles. Fighting continues in the Korenivka and Sudzha directions, where the Russian military is using tactical aviation. We are waiting for confirmation of the presence of North Korean troops there. There have been official reports that the enemy is suffering losses and North Koreans are already dying.

Battles for Chasiv Yar

In this area, the Russian forces are trying to use their superiority in manpower and equipment. They conducted offensive actions there, which allowed them to advance through the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas Canal. The 24th Detached Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces is operating there, as well as the 5th Detached Assault Brigade, which is defending, in particular, the Ivanivske - Stupochky road. Ukrainian artillery is being actively used there. There are no problems with ammunition, but the Russians are actively advancing in all directions. Thanks to a sufficient number of shells, primarily of NATO 155 mm caliber, the Russian invaders are being destroyed, although there are still many of them. Therefore, the 5th Separate Assault Brigade provides support to the 24th Brigade, and vice versa. Interaction between the brigades is an important factor that ensures a strong defense in this area of the front. It is an important part of effective defense and, if possible, offensive actions. 

Spokesperson for the 24th Detached Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo, Andriy Polukhin, told what is happening in this area of the frontline.

“The situation in Chasiv Yar, the area of our brigade's responsibility, remains difficult. The Russians are trying to storm Ukrainian positions, cross the canal and take our positions. However, he is not succeeding. They are using small infantry groups to cross the canal unnoticed and enter the rear of our positions, but this tactic is risky and difficult for them because of the fire control of Ukrainian forces, including drone pilots, mortar launchers and artillery. The Kanal neighborhood, which was occupied by Russians in the summer, is practically destroyed, so everything is clearly visible there. The Russians are trying to hide in the ruins, but our guys quickly find and eliminate them. Those groups that manage to cross the canal remain blocked in the ruins, without reinforcements and logistics, and eventually they are discovered by our military,” he said.

As for the town of Chasiv Yar itself, it is practically destroyed. Infrastructurally developed areas with high-rise buildings have been badly damaged. There is not a single intact building there: some houses were destroyed from the inside, others by artillery, says Polukhin. As for the logistics routes, the roads to Chasiv Yar have long been monitored by the Russians, who are trying to hit them with drones. Unfortunately, this is a regular situation for the brigade, when logistics is very difficult. However, the Ukrainian Armed Forces, having electronic warfare equipment, using weather conditions and lighting that are not favorable to drones, provide the units with everything they need.

“At the moment, the greenery is gone, but the leaves are still there, they are yellowed, red, brown, but have not yet fallen completely. Therefore, there is an opportunity to disguise our means, and the Russians are taking advantage of this. The weather is certainly getting worse now, which is normal for autumn in the east of the country. Our guys are more concerned about situations when fog descends. But we have everything we need to have sufficient control over the situation along our line of responsibility, because when there are warnings of deteriorating weather, we set up additional posts and increase our attention. Of course, this limits the work of our drones, but not only ours, but also the Russian drones. This is not the first autumn of a full-scale war,” said a spokesman for the press service of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo.

According to him, FPV drones have long been the biggest threat in the defense of Chasiv Yar. This is one of the first areas where the Russians began to actively use them in the fall of last year. As for the UAVs, there was a period when up to five units were arriving at the positions every day. Now the Russian invaders are using them every day, and the rear areas, such as Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka and Kramatorsk, are mostly affected. The enemy is also using guided bombs to strike at neighboring areas and at the brigade's positions in Chasiv Yar itself. 

Brigade replenishment

Polukhin said that the 24th Detached Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo is not only mobilizing new soldiers, but has also opened a recruiting center, so more people are coming to them than usual during mobilization. All soldiers, both men and women, undergo basic military training and professional training, as well as coordination in the area of operations. The brigade has a separate unit that deals with this. This is a very professional unit whose members have been in combat themselves and understand what is needed and how to prepare recruits. This allows them to respond quickly to changes in enemy tactics on the battlefield. As for the training time, it all depends on the situation in the area, but our soldiers undergo additional training for at least two weeks.

“We are in a state of active war, and we will always need ammunition, people and logistics. To solve logistical issues, we need transportation. Our guys are raising funds, opening banks, the Ukrainian people are raising money, and the state is also providing vehicles, unmanned systems and electronic warfare devices. All of this is constantly needed, because equipment can burn or overheat, and cars that break down become targets for drones,” Polukhin added.