Russia’s army tries to break through Ukrainian defense and reach Kupyansk. Column by Serhiy Zgurets

Defense forces create conditions for further advance

On Wednesday, a meeting of Ukraine's top military leadership focused on preparing for offensive actions, analyzing the current situation at the frontlines, and providing troops with everything necessary. The course of offensive actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces also remains in the center of attention in the Western media, which reflect and influence the opinion of Western society.

For example, it's worth mentioning a quite long CNN story that talks about the most difficult stage of the war. The story highlights the opinions of Western European and American officials who recognize that the biggest challenge for the Ukrainian army is to break through the multi-layered line of defense of the Russian army. National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby tells CNN that even the Ukrainians and President Zelenskyy say they are not making as much progress as they would like. However, the United States also recognizes the difficulties faced by the Ukrainian army, but remains hopeful that progress will be restored. So how far the Ukrainian army can advance remains an open question. Moreover, the approaching fall gives Ukraine limited time to conduct counteroffensive operations. 

However, unlike officials and journalists, the military communicates quite closely. I am referring to the communication between the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley. In particular, according to Zaluzhnyi, the Ukrainian army is moving forward step by step and conditions are being created for further advancement.

Russia’s offensive in the Kupyansk direction

Russian troops are trying to conduct active offensives in a number of areas, but are not succeeding. In particular, they are attacking in the Kharkiv and Luhansk regions. Today, Army Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi made his assessment of the current situation. He said that when it comes to fighting on the frontline from Kreminna to Bilohorivka and Kupyansk, Russia's main goal is to break through the Ukrainian defense line. In this way, the Russian enemy is trying to reach Kupyansk. The fighting in this area of the frontline is particularly active at the moment. Syrskyi added that the enemy, simultaneously with the offensive from the Novoselivske area, tried to cut the grouping of Ukrainian troops by striking at the flanks and encircling them. Also, according to Syrskyi, all measures were taken to ensure additional reinforcement of Ukrainian troops by all means.

Map of combat actions in the Kupyansk direction as of August 9

Unique Ukrainian-made Backfire drone successfully passes the test stage

Artem Shcherbakovskyi, a UAV operator with the "Angry Birds" consolidated unit, said that the Backfire drone has now passed the test stage. In particular, the drone's ability to operate in electronic warfare conditions. These tests were successful. Mr. Shcherbakovskyi emphasized that none of the available electronic warfare equipment was able to withstand Backfire. According to him, Backfire is programmed for a task and electronic warfare means cannot suppress and land the UAV.

Ukrainian drone Backfire (photo: Hero of Ukraine Charitable Foundation)

Artem Shcherbakovskyi said that the Backfire drone has a payload of up to 4 kg. Operators use it as a kamikaze drone. The maximum flight distance is up to 35 km. According to Shcherbakivskyi, this distance is enough to destroy enemy electronic warfare systems, electronic warfare systems, control centers and field ammunition depots. He also added that only state funding is needed to scale up production of this type of drone. The state promises to influence and finance the production of drones. Shcherbakovskyi emphasized that if all the necessary documentation is ready, the state will be able to purchase Blackfire drones in the format of a state defense order in 1.5 months.

Backfire drone launch system (photo: Hero of Ukraine Charitable Foundation)

Artem Shcherbakovskyi also added that there are no problems with purchasing components for the production of Backfire drones. The only problem is the logistics and delivery of such parts. Usually, it takes more than 1.5 months to deliver parts for production. Therefore, according to him, all components are purchased in advance. He emphasized that bureaucratic red tape is another difficulty. In particular, customs clearance of foreign parts.

According to Shcherbakovskyi they are developing several more projects on FPV drones. There are quite interesting solutions that will be useful on the battlefield and bring excellent results. He noted that one of the solutions will radically change the nature of the flight and make it easier for UAV operators. He also said that there are ideas to create entire FVP complexes. The main idea of which is to maximize the distance from the operator from the front line.