Ukrainian intel raid in Sumy region sets new standard for battlefield coordination — expert

Valerii Riabykh, military expert and Defense Express development director, stated this on Espreso TV.

“It should be noted that the General Staff and the Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief have similar tools, including for use in such critical moments. But still, we can talk about planned actions, because, in principle, in this case, we are not talking about specially trained special forces units being sent to the front just to sit in trenches. 

They were engaged in exactly the kind of work for which they were created, assigned, and, as they say, sharpened. These are raids deep into enemy territory, disrupting the enemy’s rear operations, and cutting off the supply lines of units on the front line. And, accordingly, actions to detect and destroy the enemy in certain areas,” he said.

Valerii Riabykh noted that the number of fighters is not as important as their skills, motivation, and coordination.

“What has been reported now, what we can focus on, is that almost two enemy battalions were put out of action. We’re talking about eight companies, which is at least two and a half battalions. This shows that the number of fighters is not important; what matters are skills, motivation, and, most importantly, coordination. 

Because if you look at even the short video that was published, the level of coordination is impressive—actions on the ground, actions in the air by reconnaissance, actions by supporting units such as artillery and drone units, which deliver coordinated strikes, and, accordingly, the level of command is impressive. 

This is exactly the level of coordination and effectiveness that units should strive for. For this, first and foremost, you need the best quality people, the best equipment for them, and, accordingly, the right organization of command, coordination, and comprehensive support. Then the result will be the same, regardless of how many enemy forces oppose such units,” the military expert believes.

• On August 5, Ukrainian intelligence operatives from the Tymur Special Unit of the Main Intelligence Directorate successfully stopped an attempt by Russian troops to advance in the Sumy direction.