On the Ukrainian-Russian border – CBS News met with troops from Ukraine’s 117th Territorial Defense Brigade in the eastern Sumy region as they prepared for another deployment to the front lines. Their mission is to support Military operations of Ukraine in the Russian Kursk region.
The military was preparing another drone for a one-way mission – its deadly payload: a grenade attached with zip ties. The simple weapon cost only about $400 to produce, but it would soon be hunting targets worth millions of dollars.
Private Igor piloted the drone on a test run, but in real missions he gets to watch a person’s final moments on his small screen and he admitted it can feel personal.
CBS News
“It’s emotional,” he told CBS News. “But I understand we’ve chosen the right path.”
Since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, drones have played a major role in the war on both sides. The small, unmanned aircraft are now playing a critical role in Ukraine’s surprise offensive as troops gain ground in Russia’s western Kursk region.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said the incursion was part of a new Ukrainian tactic aimed at creating a buffer zone inside Russia to prevent attacks on Ukraine and even turn the tide of the war as his troops struggle to hold their ground elsewhere on the long front.
Russia claimed on Friday for the second time this week that Ukraine had attempted to hit the Kursk nuclear power plant with a drone strike, condemning the attack as “nuclear terrorism.” The Russian Defense Ministry said it had shot down three drones heading toward the plant.
Ukrainian government officials initially did not comment on the allegations, which were made just days before the planned visit of the United Nations nuclear watchdog (IAEA) to the Kursk plant. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi appealed to all sides to exercise restraint in order to avoid a potentially catastrophic nuclear accident. He is issued many similar warnings and appeals over the past two years, when Russian forces occupied Ukrainian nuclear facilities and landed missiles and drones near the facilities.
Sergeant Alex, who leads the Ukrainian drone unit that took CBS News to the Russian border, said the weapons are hugely important to his country not only because they are inexpensive but because they are “far more effective and accurate than artillery.”
CBS News
That makes units like him a prime target for Russia’s own drones, and Moscow has more of them. According to the soldiers, taking over Private Victor is the most important job in the team. He drives them to the front and back, and it’s not uncommon for their vehicle to be followed by Russian drones.
When asked what was going through his mind at such moments, he said: “Nothing.”
“Speed and professionalism are the most important things,” said Victor, adding that they always hope that there will be no mishaps.
Russian Defense Ministry/Anadolu/Getty
The brigade said it would conduct up to five search and destroy missions against Russian tanks, vehicles and troops on an average day.
“We always have one mission,” Sergeant Alex told CBS News. “Destroy the enemy.”
It is an enemy they are now fighting on Russian soil.
The Biden administration has pledged about $125 million in new military aid to Ukraine. Officials said Thursday the latest package will include anti-drone and anti-electronic warfare systems.
Daniela
