Ukraine's unique strikes on Russian military assets in Crimea, EU unveils ReArm plan. Serhiy Zgurets’ column

Russia continues strikes on Ukrainian territory

Last night, we once again felt that no word from Russia could be trusted. Despite promises not to attack Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, as announced after the phone conversation between Trump and Putin, Russia launched another strike on Ukraine using a significant number of drones. There were 145 of them, half were Shaheds and half were decoys. Ukraine’s air defense destroyed 72 strike drones, while the rest were lost locally. Meanwhile, Russia added nonsense claims that they had also shot down drones they had launched at Ukraine.

However, this illogical approach from the Russians should not surprise us, as war follows its own logic and dynamics. Repelling enemies remains a priority for the Ukrainian Defense Forces until diplomacy reaches a rational solution for us all.

Masterful strikes by Ukraine’s intelligence in Crimea

Yesterday, Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate showcased a great compilation of videos regarding the thinning of Russia's air defense in occupied Crimea. Several objects were destroyed, directly impacting the effectiveness of the air defense system on the occupied peninsula.

The video lasts three minutes, during which a significant number of radar systems are destroyed in a short period using strike drones. Additionally, several air defense systems were hit, including the Pantsir and some launchers of the S-300VM complex.

In total, 12 radar stations of various types have been counted as destroyed. These stations were designed to control airspace at various altitudes, specifically to counter Ukrainian drones and cruise missiles. The total value of the destroyed equipment is estimated at over 500 million dollars.

The key point here is not the monetary value, but rather that these objects will be extremely difficult for the Russians to restore. We anticipate that this weakening of Russia's air defense system will create an opportunity for a new wave of Ukrainian strikes on occupied Crimea, targeting more Russian military assets and further diminishing Russia’s capabilities in that region.

Frontline situation

Now let's talk about other components of the frontline. We will take a closer look at the situation in the Novopavlivka sector. I remind you that after capturing Velyka Novosilka and Novocherevate, Russian troops are advancing along both banks of the Mokri Yaly River, through Dniproenerhiia to the Kostiantynivka-Zaporizhzhia highway, aiming to reach one of the key logistical lines of Ukraine’s defense. The Russian army is being held back there, while it continues to try to push through.

Ukraine Russia war live map, March 8-15, Photo: Espreso

Also, slightly to the west of this area is the line of Novosilka-Pryvilne-Burlatske. There, too, Russian troops are attempting to conduct offensive actions, and Ukrainian forces are carrying out counterattacks. The defense is held by several Ukrainian brigades and a few assault battalions. Russian forces are attacking both with and without equipment.

Details about what exactly is happening in this area were shared by Captain Vladyslav Kryshtalevych, commander of the strike UAV unit of the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade of Airborne Assault Troops.

I would like to note that we are currently helping the company and brigade raise funds for the equipment and gear used for FPV drones—funds that are urgently needed so Ukrainian soldiers have all the necessary tools to launch and control FPV drones during combat operations.

Bank card number: 4441 1111 2307 7467

In the Novopavlivka sector, it seemed relatively calm for a while, but recently there has been increased activity across many sections of the front.

"I can say that our brigade is usually deployed in areas where the Russians are not staying in place. And perhaps that's why we appeared in this sector at a certain time—because Russian troops began conducting active operations, or at least were preparing for them. We arrived to stop them. So, at the moment, Russian invaders are actively advancing, conducting assault operations during the day, early in the morning, and in the evening, taking advantage of weather conditions, sometimes without them, but constantly trying to apply pressure," he said.

Regarding the terrain, as I understand it, it is difficult for Russian soldiers to hide there, but despite this, they still use both infantry and, from time to time, armored vehicles in their assaults.

"Speaking of the current situation, Russian troops are more actively conducting assaults with infantry. That is, small groups of infantry, sometimes crossing fields directly. However, if we look at a short period, say a week, during that time, there may be assaults both with armored and lightly armored vehicles, as well as small infantry groups. In other words, the enemy is trying to use the entire arsenal available to them for their tactical actions," the soldier noted.

Vladyslav Kryshtalevych also talked about the burden placed on drone operators: "It all depends on which operator we are talking about. It could be a reconnaissance drone operator, a bomber drone operator, or an FPV operator. Let’s talk about the FPV operators. Their morning doesn’t start with coffee, as strange as that may sound. It starts with preparing all the equipment, setting up the match, checking the operation of the repeater, and being ready to strike at the enemy as quickly as possible. In other words, minimizing the time from command to launch. I would say that's how their morning begins."

Additionally, he noted that the brigade participates in an initiative where the potential or results of each unit are calculated, and based on the monthly outcomes, they can expect to receive a certain number of selected drones for their needs.

"This is a very cool initiative, which, I believe, allows for assessing the effectiveness of several units, enabling them to get exactly what they need, not just what is available, so to speak, in the warehouses. It also gives them the opportunity to work with the tools they prefer. We are participating in this initiative. I can’t say we are undisputed leaders, but I can say we are probably a bit better than confident average performers. In other words, above average, but not quite leaders. There are still the giants, the 'mastodons,' certain battalions that are leading in this direction. I can give an example from our previous sector when Russian troops were actively assaulting one of the settlements, and the problem with the situation was that, roughly speaking, my operator was in one settlement, but his area of interest was located in another place. The Russians were conducting an assault on another unit, not us, but our adjacent unit. And it happened that they pushed them a bit and reached the settlement where my operators were. In a single day, with the efforts of three of our positions, we destroyed 12 units of Russian equipment and probably about 20 Russian soldiers, confirmed as casualties," the soldier shared.

Regarding new technological solutions, particularly in relation to fiber-optic drones, the soldier noted that this is a specific matter. They are certainly effective and should be used, but a regular FPV drone cannot be replaced due to the specifics of their use: "Yes, we have them. We are actively testing them right now and want to find the best manufacturer from what the state is currently offering. After that, we will scale them successfully at our positions and work with them."

"As for the initiation boards, thank God, most of the drones that come with standard boards are adequate. That is, the boards behave properly. They have fuses, and these boards can and should be worked with. If we talk about combat units, there are no problems with supply. They are available, basically any nomenclature is there. But based on experience, I can say that the best combat units are those that were made earlier at factories or are being made now at factories. For example, when we talk about shrapnel, the best shrapnel munition is a 60mm or 82mm mine that an FPV drone can carry. Well, as a rule," said the soldier.

According to him, Russian troops continue to use guided bombs with the same intensity as before to destroy settlements near the front line: "It's clear that there are some of our units there, and part of the civilian population. The Russians simply destroy these settlements until there are no structures left where anyone could take shelter, and it doesn't matter who's there."

At the same time, Vladyslav Kryshtalevych noted that drone warfare will continue to intensify.

"Drone warfare, EW (electronic warfare), I can't imagine how a mechanized assault can take place under such conditions, when the weather is clear, visibility is unlimited, there's no fog or rain. Well, it's basically suicide for the Russians. But they can use 'meat tactics,' where, roughly speaking, about 25–30 units of equipment go out, maybe 20 are destroyed, but 10 make it. And then certain problems arise that need to be resolved very quickly," he said.

The captain also shared how he selects soldiers for his unit and whether the unit plans to become a battalion.

"The company would like to become a battalion, but as far as I know, this expansion is not planned at the moment. For now, we will remain a company. Regarding recruitment, there are still some open spots—though not many, there are some. The selection is done through our recruitment centers, our Territorial Center for Recruitment representatives, who first pre-select candidates. Then, depending on their preferences, they communicate with me or my deputies, after which we conduct an interview and guide the person from the moment they arrive at the Territorial Center for Recruitment until they are transferred directly to the brigade. Although there are now opportunities for the brigade to mobilize a person independently. For example, a person arrives at the Territorial Center for Recruitment, gets their documents done, and without going through training centers or additional steps, they simply join the brigade, take the position they chose, and start working. So, we skip the general basic military training for all servicemen. Since these are quite specific positions that do not require the same level of preparation as infantry, it is possible to bypass the general basic military training," said Captain Vladyslav Kryshtalevych, commander of the assault UAV company of the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade of Airborne Assault Forces.

EU rearmament plan

Next, we will discuss how Europe is rearming, taking into account Ukraine's combat experience and the challenges Europe faces. Yesterday, more details were revealed about the EU's ReArm plan, which is currently being discussed and will be approved soon.

This plan is aimed at restoring Europe's defense capabilities to support Ukraine and create a new defense power for Europe, considering new challenges and opportunities. We know that a document was prepared at the request of the EU Commissioner for Defense and Space, which outlines all the key areas currently important for European countries.

Seven priorities have been chosen for the efforts of all European countries. These primarily include air and missile defense, artillery, long-range systems, ammunition and missiles, drones, and counter-drone systems. Another area is military mobility, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare (EW), and strategic support means.

In fact, these seven areas reflect where Europe has needs, some lag behind the United States, or depend on the United States. Given the risks posed by U.S. policies, Europeans are now trying to restore or reshape their defense industry in a short period, including through cooperation with Ukraine.

In this context, Ukraine is mentioned in several areas, notably regarding its integration into European Union defense development initiatives, including the PESKO program and the European Defense Agency.

The structures of the PESKO and EDA organizations are integrative modules that facilitate interaction among all manufacturers from European countries, and, hopefully, Ukraine will also be included. These structures foresee the possibility for European countries to purchase weapons from Ukraine. According to the estimates in this document, Ukraine’s arms production potential amounts to 35 billion euros, but Ukraine itself can finance a maximum of 9-10 billion euros. This is insufficient, and the remainder can be funded by European countries for those areas where there are no similar models from European manufacturers.

It is also mentioned that Ukraine should be involved in space projects, particularly in satellite communication and reconnaissance systems. There is a whole program of collaboration in this space direction. This is important for both Ukraine and European countries. In fact, significant funding is allocated for all these areas. It has been preliminarily announced that the amount will be 800 billion euros for several years ahead. The immediate financial expenditures that may be provided by European countries for the purchase of new weapons and weapons for Ukraine amount to 150 billion euros. These resources are expected to be part of joint financing by European countries, including through credit resources.

But here is an important aspect: we are talking about money, where the potential of Europe is actually orders of magnitude higher than that of the Russian Federation. This is because the GDP of European countries is 10 times larger than that of the Russian Federation. However, it is crucial that this money is quickly converted into specific projects that can be implemented in short periods of time.

This is extremely important to truly enhance the capabilities of the European defense industry. We hope that such decisions will be made, programs will be adopted, and in the next year, two, or three, we will see effective results from this new rearmament program of the European Union.