Ukraine to get €2 billion from frozen Russian assets, drone situation on frontlines. Serhiy Zgurets’ column

May 9: context in Ukraine and Russia

On May 9, Europe Day was celebrated in Ukraine and around the world. In this context, it is extremely important that the EU High Representative and foreign ministers from 35 countries of the union signed a statement in Lviv regarding their intention to transfer €1 billion to Ukraine from the profits of frozen Russian assets. This money will be used to purchase Ukrainian weapons for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

It was later clarified that the EU, through the European Peace Facility, will transfer a larger sum to Ukraine under this scheme, almost €1.9 billion in total. €1 billion will be allocated for weapon purchases, €600 million for artillery and ammunition, and over €200 million to strengthen the air defense system. A financial instrument will also be approved soon, allowing Ukraine to participate in the joint procurement of necessary defense products with EU member states, both from the European market and from Ukrainian manufacturers.

During a meeting between Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and the EU Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, the most pressing issues and procurements were discussed — drones and ammunition, which are critically needed on the frontlines. These two components in the hands of the Ukrainian military are the most important for destroying Russian forces.

Meanwhile, in Russia, the Victory Day parade took place. The criminal Putin made a series of statements, once again presenting lies as truths while also showcasing weapons of mass terror, which are destroying Ukrainian factories, cities, and villages and killing our people. 

Specifically, Shahed-type drones were paraded across Red Square, which are used in mass daily attacks. There were no attacks on May 8 and 9 to mislead the world with claims of a unilateral ceasefire, but Ukraine’s Air Forces reported that the Russians actively used guided bombs from their aircraft, and the General Staff's reports indicate Russian attacks along the entire frontline.

Russia has no intention of agreeing to a full ceasefire, as it still hopes to destroy Ukraine as an independent state. This means that the leaders of the countries who attended Putin's parade appear as his accomplices. Of course, the most symbolic and alarming visit was that of the Chinese leader to Moscow. 

Xi stated in a meeting with Putin that the two countries should become "friends of steel." However, China had previously claimed it would not provide military assistance to either side in the war. Now, there are signs that the dynamics of cooperation between China and Russia are expanding, not just artillery, ammunition, and gunpowder. 

On May 9, information emerged that China is likely starting to sell its air defense systems to Russia. It is also surprising that the North Korean dictator was not at the Russian parade, and ballistic missiles KN-23 or Koksan howitzers, which also target Ukrainian peaceful cities, were not paraded through Red Square. Without artillery and ammunition from North Korea, Russia feels significant limitations. Currently, North Korean ammunition accounts for 30% to 40% of Russia’s entire shell arsenal. All of this clearly illustrates that the confrontation between autocracies and democracies is intensifying. The hottest and most terrifying front of this systemic confrontation is currently passing through our Ukraine.

Situation in Velykomykhailivka sector

A serviceman from the 31st Separate Mechanized Brigade, with the call sign Magnat, reported that there was no ceasefire in the Velykomykhailivka sector, despite Russia's announcement. The Russian troops continued their assault actions. On May 9, armored vehicles, motor vehicles, and infantry groups were used. According to Magnat, it was just another regular day on the front, but with assault operations. Shelling and airstrikes also took place, as usual.

Ukraine-Russia war live map, May 3-10, photo: Espreso

The Russian forces took advantage of bad weather, which prevented Ukrainian troops from spotting the equipment in advance, and launched an assault. Even wheeled vehicles were used in the attacks. All of them, along with the infantry, were destroyed, the soldier added. 

In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable trend: Russian troops are using new thermal cloaks in larger quantities. These are of much higher quality, making it difficult to detect the enemy even with thermal imaging from Mavic drones, and they are exploiting this. However, Ukrainian defenders still spot and eliminate them, Magnat noted. These thermal cloaks are most effective right after nightfall, when the ground is still warm. The Mavic detects all heat and cannot distinguish certain features. Still, the Russians’ weapons and legs give off heat, and experienced drone pilots know to focus on movement and are learning to identify them that way.

Magnat emphasized that artillery and drones are currently the most effective means of striking the enemy. There are ongoing efforts to detect Russian forces using drones and long-range reconnaissance tools, followed by a strike mission aiming to hit them at long distances. The Russians try to use "waves" of attacks — one assault, followed after some time by another, then a pause for the evacuation of the killed and wounded. The intensity is very high, everything happens constantly. Russian troops are there, we see them, we are striking continuously, we're not relaxing at all, the soldier added.

Drone warfare: types, hunting Russian operators, warhead preparation

The Russian forces have increased their use of strike UAVs (FPVs and Mavic-style bomb drops), but Ukraine still holds the advantage. Ukrainian forces also frequently use fiber-optic FPVs. As for glide bombs, their number has remained constant, they are used regularly. Russian forces try to destroy both the frontline and the rear positions. The frequency of air strikes hasn't decreased significantly; they attack daily, sometimes even at the same time each day. Overall, the situation with glide bombs is stable.

Ukraine is also advancing the development of fiber-optic drone technology. In fact, just on May 9, the first Russian equipment was destroyed using these drones, as the weather was very poor. A regular drone would have struggled in such conditions, but these UAVs handled it well.

Regarding the hunt for Russian drone operators, Magnat said it’s quite feasible, but requires a lot of resources. If a launch point is identified, it still needs to be targeted precisely to locate the camouflaged technical equipment. Ukraine is working on this, but given the intensity of Russian assaults, it's difficult to divert resources to such tasks. Still, he noted, there’s a separate plan for these kinds of targets. The work continues, but due to constant attacks, the numbers for this kind of operation have decreased.

Magnat added that almost all drones provided by the state need improvements. Each drone requires an additional 1,500 to 4,000 UAH in modifications to fly effectively under electronic warfare conditions. As for procurement, he said they work with their own suppliers who deliver drones built to exact specifications, such as frequencies, control systems, and more. The final product is already tailored and ready.

Regarding drone warheads, Magnat said that every engineer preparing munitions for drones is "a creative person." Everyone strives to achieve maximum effectiveness from the payload, so very few want to use standard-issue munitions — they're outdated. Nearly every unit has individuals who build from scratch, modify, or enhance the warheads, which creates challenges, as there's no standardized ammunition for everyone. Still, even the regular warheads are upgraded and refined to ensure the best possible results.

Regarding drone operators, Magnat said there’s a shortage of qualified personnel. Turning a regular service member into a Mavic (reconnaissance) operator takes about three months, that’s the simplest case. Training an experienced FPV operator takes at least six months, with lots of practice. There's a slight lack of operators, but personnel are constantly going through training centers. 

Recruitment is ongoing, and they’re actively encouraging people to join drone operations. The oldest operator is 59, and the youngest is around 22 or 24. The age range is wide. Some seasoned men have been flying since the start of the war, they’re older now, but they keep doing their job.