Russian forces launch major assaults on multiple fronts using armored vehicles, motorcycles. Serhiy Zgurets’ column

Russian forces intensify massive assaults on multiple frontline sections

Russian forces have launched assaults on several fronts. Notably, these assaults involve significant numbers of personnel and equipment. The Operational Command South reported that Ukraine’s Defense Forces repelled a Russian offensive that took place two days ago. For this assault, the Russians used 320 stormtroopers, 3 tanks, and 40 armored combat vehicles. The attack began on April 16 around 6 p.m. The Russians launched simultaneous attacks along a front stretching over 50 km. Russian troops attacked Piatykhatky, Lobkove, and Stepove with forces from the 7th Airborne Assault Division’s airborne assault regiment. In the area of Kopani and Danylivka, the 42nd Rifle Division’s units advanced.

Additionally, the 58th Airborne Assault Regiment attacked the area of Mala Tokmachka and Novopokrovka. This regiment was redeployed to this front from the Kursk region. All of these efforts proved futile. Russian invaders were held back by our brigades, including the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade, the 118th Mechanized Brigade, and units from the Kara-Dag National Guard Brigade.

Ukraine Russia war live map, March 29 - April 5, Photo: Espreso

The Operational Command South reported that a significant number of Russian personnel and equipment were destroyed. Specifically, 29 units of equipment were destroyed, 140 Russian personnel were eliminated, and 3 tanks were damaged. It was also reported that the Russians had no success and did not capture any positions of Ukraine's Defense Forces.

Today, the Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Pivnenko, reported another massive attack by Russian troops in the Pokrovsk sector. Even more personnel were involved in this assault. In the Pokrovsk sector, 240 occupiers were eliminated, along with a large number of armored vehicles, over 29 motorcycles, and 21 armored vehicles. This confirms that in recent days, Russian forces have intensified massive attacks on multiple fronts.

Technological advancements: key to the success of Ukrainian forces on the frontline

CEO of FRDM and President of the Technological Forces of Ukraine, Vadym Yunyk, shared that the main criterion for the development of Technological Forces is feedback from the military on the front lines. The company focuses on creating products that deliver immediate results. Since the front line changes and the enemy withdraws all available assets from the combat zone, the military consistently requests equipment capable of operating deeper into enemy-controlled territory. This includes drones and ground-based robotic systems with a larger operational radius.

Vadym Yunyk emphasized that for most private manufacturers within the association, producing weapons for the Defense Forces is not about business or profit. These manufacturers were creating weapons even when there was no systemic state support. Back in 2022, all the ground-based systems and drones used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces were developed by private manufacturers. Currently, the government is requesting the scaling of production, and many manufacturers are responding to this need.

However, today these enterprises are operating at less than 70% capacity, with only 10-15% of their potential being utilized. This directly impacts their development and, consequently, the front lines. There are requests from the military that need to be fulfilled immediately. The more these enterprises are filled with orders, the more funds they will have to develop products. These funds can be generated from weapon exports, as the only buyer today is the state. As Vadym Yunyk emphasized, there are currently proposals to export weapons from Ukrainian manufacturers to European partners. These countries recognize the threats from Russia and want to have weapons capable of countering the Russians.

State must create conditions for the growth of private defense companies

Vadym Yunyk also shared that many European countries offer large support programs for weapons manufacturers. In most cases, weapons produced within the EU are later sent back to Ukraine as free aid. That’s why some manufacturers, lacking consistent orders in Ukraine, are partially relocating their production to EU countries. This allows them to continue supporting Ukraine’s Defense Forces while also enabling their own development. Although this trend exists, Yunyk noted that it is not a positive one, as Ukraine should be creating conditions for the growth of its own defense industry. There are also ongoing joint weapons development projects with American and European manufacturers, currently at various stages. Yunyk said that the company he leads is working on an exciting project with a French company. They are developing a ground robotic system capable of carrying missile equipment. He described it as a very promising project.

Advantages and disadvantages of exporting Ukrainian weapons

Military expert and editor of the Ukrainian Defense Review magazine from Defense Express, Anton Mikhnenko, also emphasized that Ukraine should consider controlled arms exports — this would improve communication with partners — and simultaneously develop its own technologies, which would strengthen the defense-industrial complex.

At the same time, Mikhnenko pointed out certain challenges. These are related to the need to closely monitor the partners Ukraine engages with. Although they remain partners, the issue lies in competition. According to Mikhnenko, these countries also see Ukraine as a competitor. Ukraine should share its experience and demonstrate how Ukrainian weapons are used, but its partners will primarily focus on improving their own systems. Moreover, they enjoy more favorable export conditions for their products. Therefore, it is crucial for Ukraine to maintain strong communication with foreign partners, engage more in matters related to arms and equipment exports, and participate in joint projects within partner countries. Mikhnenko said that some companies from Ukraine's partner countries have already adopted the experience and technologies of Ukrainian manufacturers, improved their own products, and are now selling them. In particular, these companies have exported weapons to EU countries and secured billion-dollar contracts. Essentially, they gained experience at Ukraine’s expense and managed to scale their businesses.

Ukrainian arms manufacturers should join European defense projects

Anton Mikhnenko explained that Europe is becoming increasingly politically open to Ukraine. Many European officials have already stated their support for actively involving Ukrainian enterprises in the joint EU defense-industrial complex. This includes projects on electronic warfare, surface drones, and more. Typically, several manufacturers from different countries are involved in each project. Within the European Union, there are programs in which Ukrainian manufacturers can participate. Therefore, as Mikhnenko emphasized, there is undoubtedly strong potential for Ukrainian producers. It is crucial for them to be part of this process, as Ukraine must continuously prove that it is a member of the European community and a leader in cutting-edge technological solutions developed both domestically and in the EU. Such cooperation also helps establish a network of interconnections between Ukrainian and European companies.