Latest news with #Azov
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukraine Scrambling To Fight Against Growing Russian Shahed-136 Threat
The First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine is on a recruitment drive to expand its ability to defend against Shahed-type drones. It is part of a nationwide effort to counter the increasing number of Russia's long-range drone attacks that are being made possible by growing production capacity of these weapons and improvements in their strike capabilities. 'Our needs include manning several batteries, specialized technical support teams, UAS and FPV interceptor groups, as well as analytical and support personnel,' Andrii 'Hack' Danyliuk, Captain, Head of the Air Defense Department of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine Azov, told The War Zone on Monday. 'Each structural element will consist of dozens of professional service members, collectively forming a powerful fighting force. This is not a short-term reinforcement effort, but the development of a systemic capability to become a key component in countering enemy UAVs at the operational-tactical level.' The Azov recruitment campaign comes as Russia has dramatically ramped up Shahed attacks on Ukrainian cities. On July 9, Russia launched the largest Shahed attack of the all-out war, firing 728 Shahed drones and decoys, as well as seven Iskander cruise missiles and six Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles. Another 426 Shaheds were fired at Ukraine between Sunday evening and Monday morning, the Ukrainian Air Force reported. All up in smoke: Kyiv shrouded in the aftermath of another massive attack — Slava (@Heroiam_Slava) July 21, 2025 Beyond stepping up the number of drones it is launching, Russia has changed its tactics, expanding its ability to overwhelm already limited Ukrainian air defenses. 'Instead of deploying 500 drones nationwide like they used to, Russian forces now target one or two cities at a time,' according to (CP) a Ukrainian defense technology publication. 'These drones now fly either very high, at altitudes above 3-4 km, or extremely low over the ground, close to the roofs of apartment buildings.' At the higher altitudes, mobile fire groups with machine guns can't hit the Shaheds, noted. At the lower altitudes – just over the ground – the drones are much harder to detect, decreasing reaction time or allowing them to get by unseen by sensors. As a result of Russia's increased attacks and improved tactics, Ukraine's ability to defend against these drones is diminishing. Shaheds are now hitting targets at three times the rate they were in previous months, according to Ukrainian Air Force data analyzed by the Financial Times. Mass Shahed attacks 'appear to be overwhelming Ukraine's beleaguered air defenses, with the drone hit rate reaching its highest levels since Moscow's invasion,' the publication posited. 'Ukrainian air force data suggests about 15 percent of the drones penetrated defenses on average between April and June — rising from just five percent in the previous three months.' ''The problem is not [that] the Ukraine air defence is getting worse. Instead, what we see is that new swarming tactics and drones are now flying in higher altitude, [which] makes them more effective,'" — Bianna Golodryga (@biannagolodryga) July 21, 2025 Making matters worse for Ukraine, Russia is drastically increasing the number of drones it is producing. As we have previously noted, while Russia initially relied on Iran to supply its Shaheds, it now produces its own at the rate of 2,000 per month with plans to nearly triple that in the not too distant future. On Sunday, Russian media released a new video showing off its Shahed factory in the Tartarstan region, which you can see below. Inside Russia's Geran-2 drone factory in TatarstanRare footage reveals the Alabuga plant's mass production of tens of thousands of deadly kamikaze dronesDesigned to attack in relentless swarms — 'Gerans' punch through Ukraine's defenses — outmaneuvering even F-16s — RT (@RT_com) July 20, 2025 Ukraine has created several methods for detecting Shaheds, including robust audio detection systems and an app that people can use to report what they see or hear. Now Ukraine is looking for new techniques. As a means to counter the increasing Shahed threat, Ukraine has developing so-called interceptor drones. They are based on uniquely-configured first-person view (FPV) drones Ukraine has been using to counter Russian reconnaissance drones for the past year. These counter-air FPV drones have to fly faster and higher than their standard FPV counterparts used for striking ground targets. CP talked to three Ukrainian drone manufacturers who laid out what's needed to use FPV drones to counter Shaheds. A speed of over 200 km/h (about 124 mph). A regular FPV flies at up to 120 km/h (about 75 mph). The ability to climb to altitudes of up to 6 km (about 3.7 miles or 20,000 feet). A terminal guidance system to reduce dependence on the operator. A warhead between 600 and 1200 grams (about 1.3 to 2.6 pounds). Ukrainian interceptor drones – STRILA and BUREWIY. STRILA can reach speeds of up to 350 km/h and destroy Russian Geran UAVs. BUREWIY is designed to shoot down Russia's Zala, Orlan and SuperCam ISR drones. — Samuel Bendett (@sambendett) June 24, 2025 Anti-Shahed interceptor drones developed by @wilendhornets and financed by the @sternenkofund. — Special Kherson Cat (@bayraktar_1love) July 20, 2025 'The bigger the target, the bigger the warhead needed for more precise detonation. Because you can hit a wing, but it will only tear it off and not destroy the target itself,' Olha Bihun, co-founder and CEO of Anvarix, a terminal guidance system developer, told Interceptor drones, CP added, 'could destroy a Shahed with either a direct hit or with a special warhead that explodes near the target, creating a cloud of debris.' FPV drones designed to intercept Shaheds are just a small fraction of the cost to fire surface-to-air missiles like a Patriot PAC-3 interceptor, which costs nearly $4 million a piece. Ukraine has also been using advanced National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM) against Shaheds as well, which cost many hundreds of thousands of dollars each. Gun systems and electronic warfare systems, as well as other SAM types and fighter aircraft have all played a role in defending against the onslaught of Shaheds. Iranian Shahed drone, intercepted mid-air by a Ukrainian the vision — layers of our interceptor drones in the sky. Ukrainian-built. Ukrainian-led. Shaheds won't slip through. Civilians won't live in need to beg for unstable 'aid.'We've got the brains,… — Bandera Fella *-^ (@banderafella) June 27, 2025 In addition to new, improved drones, Ukraine also needs more operators to defend against Shaheds. That's where Azov said it can help. 'Our unit's tactical approaches are shaped by the nature of today's drone threats — especially the enemy's large-scale nighttime attacks and use of asymmetric tactics,' Danyliuk told us. 'We apply non-standard detection techniques and preemptive measures, integrating traditional air defense assets with advanced technologies, including autonomous platforms and digital solutions.' Danyliuk declined to offer specifics, citing operational security concerns. However, Azov has acknowledged that it too will incorporate interceptor drones into its counter-drone program. 'Our strength lies in rapid adaptation, coordination with other defense components, and flexibility in implementing solutions enabling us to intercept threats before they reach their targets,' he explained. Following the techniques of Ukraine's mobile anti-drone fire units, Azov's teams are designed to be called in where needed. 'Our focus is on sectors experiencing heightened enemy strike UAV activity, particularly involving Shahed-type drones, as well as critical infrastructure facilities requiring additional protection,' Danyliuk noted. 'For reasons of security and operational effectiveness, the unit's deployment locations and routes of operations are not disclosed. Our core principle is mobility — the ability to rapidly shift between sectors within our designated area of responsibility.' 'Our forces will be deployed where they are most needed — swiftly, precisely, and without reliance on fixed positions,' he added As far as when these new units will be deployed, Danyliuk declined to provide a timeline. 'The decision to initiate operations will be made once the unit reaches the required level of technical and tactical readiness, in line with real-world frontline challenges,' he stated. Azov's counter-drone recruitment effort is one of several taking place in Ukraine. Last month, Ukraine's parliament unveiled a plan to recruit local volunteers to shoot down Russian drones. The new program offers up to 100,000 hryvnias (around $2,400) per month from local budgets. 'The project will recruit members of paramilitary units and volunteer territorial defense units who have the necessary drone operation skills or qualifications,' the Kyiv Post reported. 'They will be tasked with defending against Russian aerial threats, including detecting, tracking, and shooting down drones using UAVs, piloted aircraft, and personal weapons.' Another major concern is the infusion of AI into the Shahed-136 airframe, which is already underway. This will have massive repercussions we discussed in great detail a year and a half ago in this previous feature. Further information has been released regarding the downed Shahed-136s with imaging guidance and AI of materials and electronic components indicate Iranian camera is an analog thermal imager for both reconnaissance and terrain following.1/ — Roy (@GrandpaRoy2) June 28, 2025 The U.S. military-industrial complex is finally catching on to what Shahed-type drones can bring to the table, though far later than it should have. Last week, 18 American-made drone prototypes were put on display at the Pentagon. It was part of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's move to increase U.S. domestic drone production. Among them was one called the Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drone, a delta-winged weapon closely resembling a Shahed. We will have more on this U.S. development in an upcoming special feature, so stay tuned for that. But as it sits today, Ukraine has a major Shahed problem that is only growing at a time when traditional missile interceptors are becoming more scarce. The hope now is that additional drone units armed with many types of lower-end weaponry can help keep the growing hoards of Shaheds at bay. Contact the author: howard@ Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Zelensky to consider allowing private army formations after latest ultimatums from Russia
President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a briefing on June 4 that he may consider allowing the creation of private armies in Ukraine. His comment came as a reaction to one of the points in the latest Russian memorandum, which calls for Ukraine to eliminate 'nationalist formations' and private military companies. 'I will now start thinking about it after such ultimatums,' Zelensky said. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine currently has no private armed groups under its law, noting, 'If they are talking about 'Azov,' it is the National Guard of Ukraine.' He contrasted Ukraine's military structure with Russia's use of private forces and mercenary groups like Wagner, highlighting the double standards. 'They (Russia) have 'Wagner' and it is true. They admit it, they admit that they have private military formations that we destroyed,' Zelensky said. According to a document leaked after the second round of talks with Ukraine, Russia's demands also include Ukraine's neutral status, a ban on the country's NATO bid and other possible military alliances, and an official end to Western arms supplies and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Russia is also demanding the official recognition of Crimea, as well as Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts as Russian, even though significant portions of these regions are still under Ukrainian control. Read also: Putin, Trump, Zelensky trilateral meeting 'unlikely' to happen soon, Kremlin says We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ukrainian military responds to commander's claim of no state-supplied FPV drones for 3rd Brigade
Ukraine's Armed Forces responded to recent comments by Andrii Biletskyi, commander of the 3rd Army Corps, who claimed that the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade had not received any state-supplied (first-person-view) FPV drones for three months, Babel reported on June 2. The 3rd Brigade, which formed the basis for the formation of the 3rd Army Corps, is seen as one of the most battle-hardened Ukrainian units. Many of its members include Azov veterans. In a written response to a request from Babel, the Armed Forces of Ukraine said the brigade had received a total of 7,992 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of various types between Jan. 1 and May 27. The military did not clarify whether that number included FPV drones. According to the military's logistics service, units are provided with a list of available equipment and may select what they need. All requests submitted by the 3rd Assault Brigade were reportedly fulfilled. The brigade must submit a separate request to the Defense Ministry for targeted funding if it requires a specific modification that is not in stock, the response read. That was the case in May, when the 3rd Assault Brigade received funds for procurement, the logistics department told Babel. In total, the state reportedly allocated Hr 151.5 million (about $3.6 million) to the brigade in 2025 for drone purchases. As of May 28, 57% of those funds had been spent. Biletskyi made his comments in an interview published May 11 with journalist Yurii Butusov. "I'd like to 'thank' the Defense Ministry — for three months, the 3rd Assault Brigade did not receive a single FPV drone," Biletskyi said. "We were severely lacking (the drones,) " he added. "Without the FPVs supplied by the state, we really dried out during these three months, because the front line is huge." Biletskyi also said the supply flow of drones to his unit has fluctuated. "In some periods, we received 30–40% of what was needed, and that mattered." Drones have proven especially effective during Ukraine's full-scale war with Russia, with both sides using them extensively on the front lines and for strikes beyond the battlefield. Read also: Ultimate guide on how drones changed warfare in Ukraine We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russia Today
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
EU state sentences teacher for ‘pro-Russian' views
A Czech court has handed a former teacher a seven-month suspended sentence for expressing pro-Russian views during a school lesson, local media reported on Thursday. Martina Bednarova was also banned from teaching for three years and ordered to complete a media literacy course, according to the Ceska Justice news portal. The court reportedly said Bednarova misused her role by presenting 'misleading information' to students. The incident occurred in April 2022, shortly after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict, during a Czech language lesson at an elementary school in Prague. According to media reports, Bednarova described Russia's military action of Ukraine as a 'justified way of resolving the situation' and cast doubt on Czech television's coverage. She also said 'Nazi Ukrainian groups' had been killing Russians since 2014, seemingly referring to Ukrainian nationalist battalions, such as Azov, which Moscow has accused of committing atrocities against ethnic Russians in eastern Ukraine – a narrative disputed by Kiev and Western governments. Students recorded the class and alerted school officials, leading to Bednarova's dismissal. Judge Eliska Matyasova claimed Bednarova was not simply voicing personal views but delivering false information in a classroom where students could not question it. Bednarova said her remarks were part of a media literacy lesson and called the case politically driven. The verdict is not final, as she has the right to appeal. The District Court initially acquitted Bednarova twice, with an appeals chamber backing the second ruling on free speech grounds. In January, however, the Supreme Court overturned the decisions and ordered a new review to assess whether her actions met the criteria for a criminal offense. Prague has taken a strongly anti-Russian stance in recent years, especially in response to the Ukraine conflict, becoming one of Kiev's staunchest supporters. In its 2023 human rights report, the Russian Foreign Ministry labeled the Czech government's actions as 'Russophobic' and expressed concern over freedom of speech in the country. It also raised concerns over the functioning of media in the Czech Republic and noted what it called a steady drift toward anti-Russian sentiment. Russian will also be phased out as a second language by 2034 under new Czech education reforms, with students limited to German, French or Spanish. As of late 2023, over 40,000 Russian nationals lived in the country, making them the fourth-largest foreign community. The Czech Republic, once part of communist Czechoslovakia and a Soviet-aligned Eastern Bloc member, became independent in 1993 after the 1989 Velvet Revolution and the Soviet Union's collapse. Since then, the country has removed or altered hundreds of Soviet-era monuments, with another wave of removals following the 2014 Western-backed coup in Kiev and the escalation of the Ukraine conflict.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Over half of Azov fighters returned to Ukraine, official says
A total of 1,279 of the approximately 2,500 Azov fighters held in Russian captivity as POWs have been returned to Ukraine since being captured, including 455 from the Azov Brigade, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said on May 28. The confirmed statistic, which includes soldiers in multiple units who fought to defend the Azovstal Steel Plant in Mariupol, comes amid social media outcry criticizing Ukrainian authorities for failing to return certain captives, including Azov fighters, during the war's largest 1,000-for-1,000 POW exchange, which concluded on May 25. "Behind each number is a human life, and no statistics can replace loved ones for individual families," Andrii Yusov, deputy head of the Coordination Headquarters told Radio Liberty on May 28. Ukrainian society has rallied for captured Azov fighters who defended the Azovstal Steel Plant in Mariupol during the Russian siege of the port city in 2022. The battle, one of the most brutal of the entire war, is credited with buying time for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to prepare itself and receive international military aid against Russia's invasion during the initial phase of the war. Azovstal defenders were ordered to surrender to the encircling Russian forces after nearly two months of constant bombardment of the besieged plant. While hundreds of these fighters have been released since 2022, hundreds more remain in captivity. Colonel Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov National Guard Brigade, described the 1,000-for-1,000 exchange as a "mockery" due to the lack of fighters from the Azov Brigade, in a post on Facebook on May 25. "Ukraine is fighting for every one of its citizens. We are working under extremely difficult conditions amid the full-scale invasion, and the Mariupol garrison remains one of the top priorities for repatriation," Yusov said on May 25 in response to to the frustration seen on social media. Ukraine has long advocated for an "all-for-all" exchange, but Russia has so far rejected the proposal. President Volodymyr Zelensky, following the mass exchange, pledged to "bring back every single one of our people from Russian captivity." The three days of prisoner exchanges were negotiated by Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul on May 16th, during the first direct talks between the two countries in three years. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on May 28 that Moscow has proposed June 2 as the date for the next round of talks with Ukraine in Istanbul. Read also: Moscow proposes next round of Russia-Ukraine talks on June 2 in Istanbul We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
