UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, Mar. 18 — Over the past day, Russian forces have increased their assaults on the Kupiansk axis which is likely connected to preparation for their spring-summer offensive, said Artur Martirosian, the officer of the 43rd Mechanized Brigade, to Army TV channel.

Martirosian said that over the past week, the Russians had not launched more than two attacks on the axis.

“But over the past 24 hours, the Russians have attacked nine times near Petropavlivka, Kurylivka, Hrushivka, Novoosynove, Novoplatonivka, and Kupiansk,” said the officer.

Russians use a usual tactic to attack with small groups of 2-3 infantry soldiers. They deploy “trained for a week, disposable fighters from marginalized segments of society” to the frontline in Kupiansk direction, said Martirosian.

“It seems likely that they will resume more intense attacks once the trees are green (and the leaves begin to sprout),” added Martirosian.

Earlier, the deputy commander of the 13 Khartiia brigade, operating in north Kharkiv oblast, said that the Russians paused their operations to wait either for the weather to worsen or for “the leaves to come in so they can move under cover.” 

Martirosian also said that over the past week, the 43rd brigade killed 32 and injured 24 Russian soldiers. They damaged over 160 Russian FPV drones, 16 reconnaissance drones, a communication antenna, and a quad bike.

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