Fiber-optic drones pose a threat up to 50 kilometers deep behind the front line.
This was stated during a TV broadcast by Major Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the Khortytsia operational-strategic troop grouping.
Trehubov emphasized that the use of fiber-optic-controlled drones poses equal threats to both Ukrainian and Russian units, penetrating up to 50 kilometers beyond the front line. He noted that new methods must be developed to counter such drones.
“First and foremost, we need to devise new logistical routes and counter-drone measures. For example, anti-drone nets could be installed along all key roads. We must also think about how to make troop movements less visible or faster, or how to ensure these drones can be shot down during movements,” the spokesperson said.
Trehubov also commented on the situation in Sumy region, where intense fighting continues. He said it is too early to speak of a complete halt to the Russian offensive.
“Very intense fighting is still ongoing—more intense than a month ago. This is Russia’s so-called ‘summer campaign,’ and until it ends, until we eliminate a sufficient number of Russian troops and observe a clear drop in their overall activity, it’s too soon to talk about a full stop to their advance,” he stressed.
He noted that Ukrainian aviation continues to carry out effective daily strikes on Russian command centers in Donetsk region, which delays Russia’s offensive efforts.
“Each of these strikes causes a delay in Russia’s attempts to launch offensives or intensify operations on various fronts, because they lose command and control in one way or another,” the spokesperson explained.
Trehubov said the most prepared Russian forces are currently concentrated in the Pokrovsk sector, where they aim to achieve two objectives: reach the administrative border with Dnipropetrovsk region and advance along the Pokrovsk–Kostiantynivka highway.
He added that Ukrainian units remain in active defense and that there is no question of a potential encirclement of the city.
Regarding the situation in the Kupiansk direction, Trehubov stated that, despite Russian disinformation efforts, the situation there remains stable—though difficult.
