New German military package for Ukraine, North Korea bolsters Russia. Serhiy Zgurets’ column

New military aid package from Germany  

Let’s start our military segment with some good news from Germany. We are used to discussing how Germany has been slow in transferring the Taurus missiles to Ukraine. However, when we consider the scope and quality of German military assistance, it confidently ranks second after the United States. Yesterday, we learned about another military aid package from Germany.  

The package is quite substantial in scale. We discovered the details of this package following changes in the German government, based on the information released regarding arms supplies—meaning these are weapons that have already been delivered to Ukraine or are about to be delivered.  

First and foremost, this includes air defense systems. Two additional Patriot missile launchers have been provided, complementing the three Patriot systems Germany had supplied earlier.  

Additionally, this package includes another IRIS-T SLM battery— a medium-range system with a target engagement range of up to 40 kilometers—and two IRIS-T SLS launchers, which are shorter-range systems. Overall, we know that six batteries of the medium-range IRIS-T system have been delivered this year.  

Furthermore, the package contains a significant amount of armored vehicles, Leopard tanks, a large number of multi-purpose armored vehicles, ammunition for Leopard tanks, 155mm caliber artillery shells, and a considerable amount of small arms.  

In any case, this is a substantial and important package that, on one hand, will strengthen air defense systems, and on the other, will provide equipment for Ukrainian brigades that are already engaged in combat on the front line or are currently being formed.

Reinforcement of Russian forces with DPRK fighters  

Meanwhile, Russia is also attempting to bolster its forces with the help of North Korea. We know that combat operations are currently taking place in the Kursk region, where Russia is deploying North Korean soldiers. We are aware of how they are being eliminated using Ukraine's means: cluster munitions and drones.  

Reports have emerged, with the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff confirming that North Korea continues to plan the supply of manpower and equipment to Russia.  

There are two noteworthy aspects here. First, it appears that North Korea is preparing to transfer strike drone systems. We will analyze what specific models might be delivered to Russia. Second, over the weekend, a video surfaced showing the transportation by rail not only of howitzers from North Korea but also medium-range missile launchers of Korean manufacture.  

This video is currently under analysis. It’s not possible to definitively confirm the contents—whether it’s four or five of these new launchers for North Korean missiles. However, it is likely that North Korea is transferring missiles called Pukguksong-2 to Russia.  

This missile was initially designed for North Korean submarines. It is now mounted on a self-propelled tracked launcher. Its range is estimated at 1,200–1,500 kilometers, depending on various assessments. However, like the KN-23 missile already in use by Russia, its control system is flawed. Nonetheless, it can still be used for terrorist attacks.  

From this, we can conclude that such transfers, if confirmed, create additional risks for Ukraine's civilian population. These missiles can be intercepted using THAAD systems or other missile defense systems currently stationed in Romania and Poland. While we lack precise data on the production capacity and quantity of these models, there is undoubtedly an additional threat posed by North Korea.  

We must remember that Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines set an example of resilience under Russian pressure.

Situation on the Toretsk direction  

This concerns one of the directions that, while seemingly less active than Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, or the Kursk region, is still facing enemy pressure as Russia attempts to intensify its efforts along all sections of the front. Let’s examine the Toretsk sector.  

“Since last week, the situation has become more intense. A week ago, the assault groups consisted of a maximum of eight individuals, small groups. Two days ago, it was up to 14 per assault, and yesterday it reached 20 individuals. Today, we see the assaults becoming more intense. They’re not yet involving equipment since this area isn’t suitable for heavy machinery, but their assault actions are intensifying daily. They’ve received reinforcements, and these are local units. Yesterday morning, our (Ukrainian - ed.) forces managed to capture five prisoners, three of whom were local, from Horlivka. They said some commission from Moscow arrived and pushed them into the assault. The enemy tries to attack in the early morning when drone visibility is poor, complicating observation. There’s drizzle, occasional snow, and sometimes fog, with fog being the most dangerous condition,” explained Yevhen Alkhimov, press officer of Ukraine's 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign.  

He also spoke about the brigade’s Kurt & Company unit, which uses strike drone systems to destroy Russian forces.  

“Their work is routine but effective. The Kurt & Company unit is currently showing the highest efficiency. Despite the challenging conditions, they manage to strike enemy forces and light equipment. Sometimes they disrupt enemy logistics, destroying light transport vehicles, weaponry, mortars, and similar targets. Additionally, in our zone, the enemy is attempting to bring heavy weaponry into a nine-story building in Toretsk, but drones are taking care of that as well. Not only Kurt & Company, but they are very active in this,” he said.  

According to Alkhimov, despite bad weather, the burden falls primarily on drone operators, as artillery is often guided by drone reconnaissance. He also emphasized that the brigade’s strategy is to destroy Russian forces at a distance and prevent them from reaching their positions.  

“This is how we operate as a brigade, which is why we’ve managed to hold the line for so long. Our inter-unit coordination is excellent—we detect the enemy in advance and destroy them as they approach. For example, the prisoners we captured yesterday were trapped in a trench, blocked by drones. They were targeted with drops from Vampires—anti-tank mines dropped directly on them. Imagine 7.5 kilograms of TNT falling on a bunker. They realized they had no other option and surrendered to two of our infantrymen. We strive to use technological methods, as this keeps our infantry safe. If the enemy reaches our trenches, dislodging them is much harder. But destroying them on approach is efficient and minimizes material and technical costs,” the press officer explained.  

He also elaborated on why the Russian army primarily uses infantry instead of armored vehicles: “It’s cheaper, and in our area, it’s impractical to use heavy equipment during assaults because it would be immediately destroyed. Hence, they rely on infantry, both locals and those brought in from elsewhere.”

Apart from the plains where Russian forces can be observed, the canal poses a significant barrier.  

"The canal is an obstacle for the enemy, acting as a 'bottleneck.' They don’t have many options to advance. Therefore, infantry proceeds even in bad weather. In good weather, when they try to gather even a few kilometers before the contact line, we detect and destroy them," said Yevhen Alkhimov.  

The canal in question is the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas Canal. In areas like Ozaryanivka, it is practically impossible for armored vehicles to cross the canal. Only infantry can attempt to move under the pipes, though even this is challenging.  

"There aren’t even pipes in some places. It’s just a dried-up canal. For example, in the Ozaryanivka area heading toward Toretsk, the entire canal is passable only for infantry. But as we see, they aren’t having much success," explained the soldier.  

Alkhimov emphasized that increasing the number of drones is crucial for effective operations, as they aim to fight using technology to minimize personnel losses.  

"The greatest advantage is drones, especially night drones. During the day, fog can be a factor, but at night, thermal imaging is highly effective—quality thermal imagers even work well in fog. At night, the enemy is quickly detected and destroyed. We are also using ground-based unmanned systems for logistics and working to expand this area. Enemy drones have complicated our logistics significantly. Ground-based robotic systems save lives and make logistics safer, as infantry carrying water, ammunition, or food over several kilometers is extremely challenging. Robots can deliver supplies securely, and at night, they’re less visible than a person. And if a robot is lost, it’s less tragic—we can simply buy another one.  

We strive to fight with technology. For example, for laying mines, we have both tracked and wheeled vehicles. Robo-dogs have proven effective in locating isolated enemy targets. For instance, after a failed assault, one enemy survivor might hide somewhere. While drones may not detect such individuals, a robo-dog can find them," Alkhimov noted.  

Alkhimov explained how the brigade organizes their daily lives: "We’ve had a system in place for a long time. It has become more difficult to rotate due to the abundance of drones, including fiber-optic drones. Still, in general, a soldier can leave their position once a week if drones don’t make it impossible. They can clean up, resupply, and do whatever is needed. This has been our practice for quite some time."  

On average, soldiers leave their positions once a week.  

"This is actually optimal. A week is tough, especially switching between posts, but coming and going from the front is a full operation—it’s very difficult. Soldiers understand this. It’s easier to stay on the position and rotate once a week for a proper rest, shower, and laundry. Soldiers don’t usually complain about the rotation schedule. In fact, some prefer to stay longer on position to wait for a safer moment to leave," he explained.  

Reports suggest that brigades will soon receive funding to purchase drones and other equipment independently within allowable limits.  

"This is a good initiative. It allows brigades in different sectors to procure what they need for their specific tasks. For example, we need more night drones, while others may need FPVs or anti-vehicle systems. It’s a positive development, and we’re watching how it unfolds," Alkhimov said.  

Alkhimov also discussed recruitment programs for the brigade.

"We have two recruitment centers—one in Kyiv and one in Odesa. Recently, we launched a Telegram bot for this purpose. People can join after the New Year following the completion of their military reserve service. Under the new law, individuals from other brigades can join, and we’ve seen a significant influx. This has allowed us to quickly staff some units.  

When a recruit knows where they want to serve, their efficiency is much higher. Experienced personnel returning from reserve service or joining from other brigades significantly bolster our capabilities," Alkhimov, the press officer of the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign, concluded.