UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, May 14 — Russians continue to attack Ukrainian positions on the Kupiansk axis, but they can’t use green cover — coverage of tree leaves and bushes —  to hide their assault operations as was planned, said Anastasiia Khalitska, the head of communication of the 4th Heavy Mechanized Brigade, to ArmyTV.

In March, the Ukrainian military said that Russian forces have increased their assaults after the leaves began to sprout on the Kupiansk axis, which is likely connected to preparation for their spring-summer offensive.

Khalitska said that Ukrainian drone operators expand the limits of the kill zone to prevent Russians from using the advantage of tree cover:

“Lately, Ukrainian drones have been hunting down Russian drone operators a lot and, generally, they’re flying deep into Russian territory, where they aren’t expected.” 

Khalitska said the Ukrainian military has no information about the activity of Rubikon or Judgment Day units (Russian elite drone units) on the Kupiansk axis —they only observe the regular units that are operating not far from the front lines.

Within these units, the Russian military continues what is now the usual tactic of assaults with small groups where one or two people are getting to Ukrainian positions on foot or by motorcycle.

Khalitska added that Russians also use fiber-optic drones in this area, which allows their drones to reach deeper into Ukrainian territory.

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