"Ukrainian Defence ’truggled’: Ukrainian military explained the difficult situation on the Pokrovsk direction

"Ukrainian Defence ’truggled’: Ukrainian military explained the difficult situation on the Pokrovsk direction

A Ukrainian serviceman explained why the defence of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the Pokrovsk direction found itself in a difficult situation

The Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance officer Serhiy Marko (Oleksandr Karpyuk) explained the reasons for the difficult situation for the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the Pokrovsk direction. He noted that problems began at the end of spring when the foliage emerged. At this time, the Russian army was able to actively use mobile units and equipment under the cover of greenery, complicating their attacks using drones.

«The Armed Forces of Ukraine simply lacked the means to stop the enemy moving under the cover of trees. Mass mining could have stabilized the situation, but in the summer we did not have enough anti-personnel mines», Marko emphasized.

An additional factor was the shortage of drones in the Armed Forces, which worsened in spring and early summer. The serviceman explained that there were proven methods of combat — deep strikes, mine placement at long distances, and the use of winged drones. However, the appearance of specialized enemy units, such as «Rubicon», sharply changed the situation.

«Under the cover of greenery, the ’Rubicon’ units advanced tactical radars to the first echelon, synchronized with electronic reconnaissance and warfare means. This synergy proved to be extremely effective», he noted.

As a result, the Ukrainian «wings» began to be massively shot down even while approaching — at a distance of 3-7 kilometers from the frontline. The ability to conduct reconnaissance at a distance of 20-30 kilometers was blocked. In addition, the enemy increased the number of electronic warfare and electronic reconnaissance means, organized hunting for Ukrainian drones and their operators.

«Enemy electronic reconnaissance significantly intensified. This is evident from the organized actions against our drones and the number of electronic warfare systems against attack drones (such as FPV and ’mavics’). As a result, hunting for our operators and means began at a time when every resource is scarce. The ’life’ term of one ’Baba Yaga’ by the number of flights has significantly shortened. Previously, some ’Baba Yaga’ could make up to 100 flights, but now 10–15 flights in this direction is already considered a good indicator. There are cases when the ’Baba Yaga’ are not allowed to take off: they are shot down by FPV drones right on the platform before launch or immediately after takeoff (considering that it only takes 7-10 minutes for an FPV drone to reach this point, it means it takes off as soon as the board is turned on for preflight). The conclusion is one - the entire area is covered with electronic reconnaissance means at different heights, and they can detect the activation of our means, even when hidden by the terrain. All this led to increased attacks on our operators, who have now become priority targets. This indicates very high coordination between enemy reconnaissance-strike units and electronic reconnaissance/electronic warfare units, which act according to a unified strategy.
Also, the enemy increased the number of crews constantly engaged in logistics and long-range mining. When they deployed this system in the Pokrovsk direction, it unfortunately brought its results», writes Marko.

According to him, the Russians have established constant attacks on logistics and mine installations, allowing them to systematically push back the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukrainian units are forced to retreat under pressure and urgently prepare new defensive lines.

«We are part of a systemic game imposed by the enemy. That’s why we get such results», he acknowledged.

Marko notes that solutions to the problem are gradually being found, new countermeasures are being implemented, although the process is not quick.

He believes that under favorable conditions and with the onset of autumn, when the foliage falls and the rains begin, the situation on the Pokrovsk direction can be stabilized. However, the risk of new challenges in the form of updated enemy tactics remains high.