Russia uses tank units to break through Ukrainian defenses in Kupyansk direction – military expert Serhiy Zgurets 

Russian offensive in the Kupyansk direction

The Ukrainian defenders are still making progress in the Melitopol, Berdyansk, and Bakhmut directions, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On the other hand, the enemy is attempting to launch offensives on the southeastern part of the front near Kupyansk and the section from Svatove to Kreminna. There have been intense battles, with 26 clashes in the last day. The enemy has gathered more than 100,000 personnel and a significant number of mechanized and armored units on this front. Currently, the enemy is trying to expand their position on the right bank of the Zherebets River, which flows west of Karmazynivka. Although there were reports that the enemy might have occupied some settlements in the lowlands, the Armed Forces have denied this information. The spokesperson for the Eastern Group of Forces, Serhii Cherevaty, stated that the tactical situation on this front hasn't changed much, but it's still challenging. To counter the enemy's tank advances and breakthrough attempts, our forces are reinforcing with additional troops. It's likely that artillery support will also be provided to this part of the front.

The Defense Forces are still making progress on three frontline areas in the south

Heavy fighting is ongoing on the Zaporizhzhia Front. Near Vasylivka, the 128th brigade is pushing through the enemy's defenses towards Luhove settlement. There are also tense actions along Robotyne - Verbove. Enemy media reports suggest that our military has penetrated the first line of defense of the Russians, but we need official confirmation from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In the Berdyansk direction, our units had success in the Staromayorske area. So, our Defense Forces continue to advance on three areas of the front, and more areas may be added.

Defense Forces are moving forward to the south of Bakhmut

Fighting continues in the north and south of Bakhmut. Not much has changed in the north. In the south of Bakhmut, our units are advancing towards Andriivka, Klishchiivka, and Kurdyumivka. This direction is vital as it helps squeeze Russian troops from the south of Bakhmut.

Ukrainian attack UAVs production 

Valery Borovyk, CEO of New Energy of Ukraine Alliance and the commander of the Bilyi Orel special attack drone unit, stated that Ukraine currently lacks the capability to industrially produce drones like the Russian Lancets. He attributed this to the fact that no one in Ukraine has worked on this matter in the past 8 years. He mentioned that the Russian attack drone Lancet is not a Russian development but rather an Israeli one that was sold to Russia. The Russians have been mass-producing these drones with state support. However, in Ukraine, such projects were not backed by the government. Borovyk highlighted that the situation has changed now, and Ukrainian companies involved in drone production are trying to catch up on lost time and opportunities. He emphasized that there are several promising projects for Ukrainian drones, although none match the technical capabilities of the Lancet.

Borovyk stated that there are orders for Ukrainian drones, particularly from various security forces like the Armed Forces and the Security Service of Ukraine. The main challenge is that the commanders of these units often take a long time to respond regarding the necessary documents for obtaining drones and UAVs. Sometimes, the requirements need to be rewritten, causing delays.

He also mentioned that there are discussions about unifying drones to improve training for personnel in using strike drones. According to him, some level of standardization is needed, and the state should finance specific drone projects. However, Borovyk believes that other drone production should not be abandoned since the creativity of Ukrainian manufacturers has yielded positive results in the past.