Russia intensifies on new front, Ukrainian radio stations for U.S. Air Force, and why Ukraine needs its own satellite. Serhiy Zgurets' column 

Russia intensifies offensive operations in Kurakhove and Pokrovsk sectors

Despite colossal losses, the invading Russian army continues to push on almost all sections of the front. The Kurakhove and Pokrovsk directions remain the hottest, and the Kupyansk-Lyman direction can now also be included. Ukraine's General Staff decided to adjust the assessments of analysts from DeepState, stating that information about Russian troops being in the city of Kupyansk and the occupation of the settlement of Illinka in Donetsk region is inaccurate. They claimed that the city of Kupyansk is fully under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. However, I believe there were no mistakes in DeepState’s reports. We saw video footage of the Russians entering Kupyansk with two columns of equipment. The Russian equipment and personnel were subsequently destroyed. So, indeed, Russian troops did reach Kupyansk but were eliminated. We hope the General Staff will take this into account and adjust their defense strategy in this direction.

Fighting continues in the settlement of Illinka and its approaches. The battles there are quite dynamic, making it difficult to determine who holds which positions and is maintaining defense. The General Staff reports that Ukrainian military personnel are firmly holding positions in this section of the front.

Russian forces continue their counteroffensive actions in the Kursk region. The offensive has been ongoing for over a week, accompanied by massive Russian losses. There are numerous videos and photos from Ukrainian units documenting the destruction of Russian equipment and personnel. However, there has been no confirmation yet of the elimination of North Korean military personnel, who are reported to be operating in the Kursk area. Recently, information emerged that Russia is transferring new M-1989 Koksan self-propelled artillery systems from North Korea. It is still unknown how many of these systems North Korea plans to supply to Russia. These guns have a caliber of 170 mm and a range of 40 to 60 km. We will continue to monitor how many of these guns Russia will receive, but in any case, they will become a new target for our artillery. It is also important to emphasize that we should focus on technological confrontation with the enemy, rather than just the numerical balance of forces and resources.

Ukrainian Defense Forces struggle to transition to new communication system in combat conditions

Co-founder of the company producing tactical communication devices under the HIMERA brand, Mykhailo Rudomynskyi, explained that the strong interest from investors in their company is due to the fact that they produce a valuable product that stands out from many others on the market. According to him, the product manufactured by HIMERA is significantly different from other companies' models. He noted that the quality of their products is highly valued abroad. Specifically, a batch of radios was recently purchased for the U.S. Air Force.

However, the government has not yet officially purchased products from HIMERA for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to Rudomynskyi, there are certain challenges to this step. In addition to the transition to a new communication system, there are logistical difficulties. Replacing a communication system during combat is practically impossible. While certain equipment, such as drones, can be replaced during combat, replacing a communication system is very difficult or even impossible. Mykhailo Rudomynskyi stated that the company is working to show the Ukrainian Defense Forces how to gradually transition to a new communication system to avoid difficulties during combat operations.

Ukrainian radio stations from HIMERA purchased for the U.S. Air Force

Mykhailo Rudomynskyi provided more details about the collaboration with the U.S. According to him, the U.S. Air Force purchased a dozen radios from HIMERA, which will be used in a test mode. The purchase agreement was made on commercial terms. Essentially, these radios will undergo testing in the U.S., with a report to be issued at the end. Based on this report, other potential buyers in the U.S. military will be able to review the radios' specifications and potentially purchase HIMERA products as well. Rudomynskyi pointed out that this collaboration has another positive aspect beyond the purchase and profit for the company. After the testing and analysis in the U.S., HIMERA will be able to reference the report from the U.S. Air Force representatives regarding the quality of their products.

According to Rudomynskyi, although the HIMERA G1 Pro radio is the company's flagship product, they are also developing a line of peripheral products. Specifically, tactical radios are transitioning to a tactical communication system that includes accessories and peripheral products. This means the company is expanding its production and design to scale communication not only for platoons or companies but also for battalions and brigades. Rudomynskyi also added that the company is scaling up the production of HIMERA G1 Pro radios to deliver these products faster and in greater quantities to the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The main challenge remains funding. Rudomynskyi emphasized that the company can produce far more radios for the needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, so they are expecting large orders from the government and are ready to increase their production capacity.

Ukraine should have its own satellite to monitor the battlefield

Valeriy Borovyk, White Eagle special attack drone unit commander, mentioned that before the full-scale invasion, they were working on the production of engines for satellites, specifically correctional engines that help direct satellites when they lose orbit. A contract was signed with the Singapore company Singapore Technologies Engineering LTD. As a result of this collaboration, a satellite was launched with an engine that was manufactured in Ukraine.

Valeriy Borovyk emphasized the importance of receiving satellite data from the Finnish company ICEYE and Rheinmetall. According to him, information is transmitted from radar satellites that can gather necessary data in any weather conditions, and after processing, provide high-quality imagery for Ukraine's intelligence services. This information enables the Ukrainian Defense Forces to successfully operate behind enemy lines and strike enemy military targets. Borovyk noted that Ukraine should have its own satellite, and work on this project is already underway. In particular, Ukraine is cooperating with several French companies to acquire an affordable satellite that can provide sufficient intelligence for Ukraine's reconnaissance communities.

Borovyk clarified that, despite the urgent need for equipment, ammunition, and personnel on the battlefield, information is also crucial. He stated that those who control information have a better grasp of the battlefield. This is why the issue of Ukraine having its own satellite is extremely important. It would not only help protect the personnel of the Ukrainian Defense Forces but also enable effective strikes against the enemy behind their lines. The problem currently is that Ukraine receives satellite data from its partners. However, this situation may change over time. According to Borovyk, this is further proof that Ukraine must work toward having its own satellite. Such a step would allow Ukraine to not only obtain information independently of its partners but also effectively counter the enemy in cyberspace.

Valeriy Borovyk also emphasized that the Ukrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) should begin working on the program for launching a domestic satellite. Specific individuals need to be appointed to work on and promote this project.