New phase of fighting in Kursk region: goals, details of operation. Serhiy Zgurets' column

Frontline situation

For the third day in a row, the intensity of hostilities remains extremely high. The number of combat engagements exceeds 200 per day. Over the past day, May 5, 78 clashes were registered in the Pokrovsk sector, which is the highest number of attacks we have repelled in this area over the entire year. Today, General Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, noted that the situation in the Pokrovsk sector has been stabilized and in some places the tactical initiative has been seized.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces are also imposing their own rules of the game on the Russians in the Kursk region. The Ukrainian military is trying to isolate the Russian army units near the village of Tyotkino and in the entire Hlushkivskyi district of Kursk region. This conclusion was made today by experts from ISW, the American Institute for the Study of War. I think this is a bit of an exaggeration, but there is some truth in such assessments.

Ukraine Russia war live map, May 6, Photo: Espreso

What do we know today on the second day of hostilities? It is known that on May 5, the Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked in several directions: from the north and south of Tyotkino in the direction of the Kursk region, as well as near the village of Novyi Put. There is a video from Russian channels that shows our units and engineering equipment advancing through the fortifications built by the Russians, and then how our infantrymen act, going deeper into the rear of Russian territory.

We know that the Ukrainian Armed Forces recently struck a bridge over the Seim River. It was a bridge that the Russian forces used for logistics. Probably, the restriction of this logistics was the reason for the American experts to conclude that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are trying to isolate Russian units in the Glushkovo area.

It is also known that a Russian UAV control center in Tyotkino was hit by airstrikes. The strike killed 20 Russian soldiers. All these actions are indeed shaping a new backdrop in the confrontation with Russia.

The question arises - what is the goal of this operation, raid, or offensive action? I would name three reasons behind it - both military and political. On the military side, it's worth recalling that after our forces withdrew from the Kursk region, the enemy began attempting offensive actions to establish a foothold - a security buffer - in the Sumy region. Currently, Russian forces are known to control Zhuravka, Veselivka, Novenke, and Basivka. They are also trying to advance toward the village of Yunakivka, which lies on the road between Sudzha and Sumy and holds key logistical importance.

It can be assumed that the Russians are indeed focused on creating a buffer zone. On our side, both frontal counterattacks and more effective surprise strikes are possible. This is exactly how Ukrainian forces operated in the Belgorod region, forcing the occupiers to redeploy troops there.

Now, after the actions in the Belgorod region, a new chapter has opened in Kursk. We understand that the enemy will be forced to disperse its forces, and its plans have been disrupted. This could indeed reduce Russia’s ability and effectiveness in securing areas bordering Sumy.

The second reason is the possible announcement of a ceasefire ahead of Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, although the Ukrainian side has not agreed to it. The concern is that Russia could use such a ceasefire to redeploy its units from the Kursk region to other parts of the front, using the truce as cover.

The informational and political aspect is also important. Its essence is to show that on Russia’s Victory Day and during parades on Red Square, Russia is actually incapable of defending its own territory. Claims that Ukrainian forces were completely pushed out of the Kursk region are false. This is a slap in the face to Russia’s entire military and political leadership. Nevertheless, the primary goals of the operation remain military.

We understand that the potential for offensive actions can only be realized if sufficient forces and resources are available. Fighting will continue in this sector of the front. At the moment, limited information prevents us from drawing firm conclusions. I believe the situation will become clearer in a day or two.

Simulators and training systems for the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Next, we’ll talk about Ukrainian military equipment - specifically, systems that enable the effective use of both domestic and foreign hardware by leveraging the capabilities of simulators and training systems. We’ll be joined by a representative of PSS by Logics7, a company that develops simulators and training tools for Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

Eduard Brazas, PSS by Logics7 training systems implementation manager, said that the company has been operating since 2018, and since 2022 this area has become the main task. The goal was to digitize all the small arms and grenade launchers available to infantry units. As a wide variety of weapons began to arrive from foreign partners, the problem of training personnel arose. Today, the company has achieved this goal. The next step is the latest weapons that appeared during the period of active hostilities: anti-aircraft machine guns, man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems, anti-tank missile systems, and so on. There is a showroom where the military can work on simulators for free. The company's specialists also conduct on-site training. However, training and exercising is a sustainable process, so mostly brigade-level units purchase training systems for their training centers.

The manager of PSS by Logics7 noted that no simulator or trainer will ever replace a real weapon. Training is a part of combat training. But it should be said that with regard to grenade launcher equipment, especially foreign-made ones, it is unlikely that the soldiers have ever fired foreign grenade launchers at training ranges or exercises, because the cost of one shot is about $10,000 or $30,000. That is, it is not a fact that in the training process they will be allowed to fire the required number of shots from such weapons. An example is an anti-aircraft machine gun simulator for mobile fire groups or a man-portable air defense system simulator. In order for a person to master a man-portable air defense system, 40-50 training launches are required. Accordingly, given the cost of these complexes, our fighters do not make any “live” training launches, but work with such complexes in the form of simulators.

Brazas noted that the company's next step is heavy equipment. For example, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are receiving Gepards, but there are no simulators for them. This is a sophisticated piece of equipment, so we need to fully develop the algorithms of operation. It's no secret that our partners also provide us with old weapons, so PSS by Logics7 specialists can bring their expertise to bear and create such simulators. The overall goal of the company is to create a space where it will be possible to train individual training of units and tactical interaction within the framework of certain missions. The PSS by Logics7 simulators already allow you to work as part of groups of either an infantry unit or a mobile fire team - this has been implemented. And now the company is looking towards full expansion, so that anyone can be connected to anyone within the virtual space and practice interaction.

New weapon model in the 3rd Separate Mechanized Brigade

New solutions are now emerging as a result of direct collaboration between the military and companies working closely with combat units. Just yesterday, on May 5, the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade released a video showcasing a new short-range air defense system built on a Hummer platform using R-73 missiles.

This system is called the Dragon H73 and uses two missiles with infrared homing heads. Notably, the R-73 missile seekers were manufactured in Kyiv, meaning there’s a stock available. The project aims to equip units with a mobile system capable of shooting down both cruise missiles and Shahed drones, operating effectively day and night. The example set by the 3rd Assault Brigade highlights the combination of initiative, capabilities, and technology in developing solutions urgently needed on the battlefield.

If the use of this new short-range air defense system proves effective, I believe we should consider scaling up such models so that other brigades can also have this weapon. Today, protection against aerial threats is a pressing challenge that cannot be solved solely with powerful air defense systems, which often lack sufficient ammunition. These solutions, however, provide a reliable "umbrella" for Ukrainian units engaged directly in combat in the enemy confrontation zone. This excellent initiative has created a new weapon system that is already in operation with the 3rd Assault Brigade.