Intriguing Insights: Unraveling Ukraine's Bold Offensive in the East

Two Ukrainian soldiers gather closely around a drone controller in the darkness, their faces softly aglow from the screen's faint light.

"Ah, I detect a burning sensation," remarks one of them. Moments ago, they released a bomb, precisely striking a Russian target.

The nocturnal attack forms a crucial element of a synchronized Ukrainian offensive operation close to the besieged city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, as revealed exclusively by CNN.

"Our objective is to strike their initial defense line and our forces will then progress towards the enemy," states the drone pilot known as "Groove."

The Ukrainian ground troops have a strategic advantage during night-time operations as they are equipped with advanced Western night-vision equipment. However, Kyiv's ground attack aircraft are not suitable for operating in the dark. To address this limitation, the "Code 9.2" drone unit has taken charge.

According to Groove, the drones in this unit possess exceptional night vision capabilities, allowing them to operate effectively even in the darkest conditions. They are able to accurately identify and engage enemy infantry, vehicles, cannons, and any other targets that pose a threat, enabling precise destruction.

They are utilizing Vampire unmanned aerial vehicles, a hexacopter manufactured in Ukraine. These drones were obtained by the Kyiv government as part of an initiative by the Ministry for Digital Transformation. The aim of this initiative is to equip Ukrainian forces with cutting-edge technology on the battlefield.

A Ukrainian soldier removes the safety on a smerch bomblet. This type of ammunition is loaded onto drones and then dropped on Russian positions.

CNN

Last August, Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, announced in a Telegram video that each drone is equipped with a thermal imager, enabling effective operation during nighttime. He stated that these drones have a payload capacity of up to 15 kilograms [33 pounds]. Furthermore, he expressed that 270 of these machines would be deployed to the front lines, where the military intends to utilize them for destroying armored cars, tanks, enemy defense structures, fortifications, and ammunition depots.

This is the task that Groove and his unit have been involved in. Recorded videos using night-vision cameras on their drones, which were then shared with CNN, reveal the drones successfully targeting and bombing various Russian armored vehicles, including a recent incident where they destroyed a state-of-the-art Russian T-90 tank - a highly advanced model deployed by Russia in Ukraine.

"Occasionally, their numbers are abundant," mentions Groove, as he surveys the vicinity using his drone to identify Russian troops. Pursuing several Russian vehicles, he proceeds to unleash bombs upon them.

"Currently, we haven't spotted many of them. There was a certain vehicle, but unfortunately, we missed our target," he further explains.

Ukrainian drone pilots are able to see their targets through their controllers, even at night, with the help of night vision.

As the drone attack intensifies, additional units come forward to join the battle: mighty artillery makes its presence known, rapidly raining down US-donated cluster munitions onto the moonlit Russian positions.

Multiple launch rocket systems rain down projectiles, filling the sky with a rapid hiss. Mortar units add to the onslaught, using flares to pinpoint Moscow's armies, while infantry fighting vehicles speed towards the front lines to storm the Russian defenses. This all-encompassing assault has been meticulously planned for weeks, as confirmed by Code 9.2 commander, Flint.

"We have been in the process of setting it up for over a month," he states, while his men diligently make preparations for the ammunition that will be deployed on Russian positions.

"This is a coordinated attack," he elaborates, clarifying that the objective of the offensive towards the southern region of Bakhmut is to reinforce the recent progress in the area. Ukraine has successfully reclaimed significant territory from Russian dominion."

Unit "Code 9.2" uses these Ukrainian-made 'Vampire' drones to strike Russian targets even at night.

CNN

An offensive in the South, gains in the East

Kyiv has strategically deployed a significant portion of the Western equipment it obtained to the southern region of Ukraine. Ukrainian forces are currently making advances along two axes: from Orikhiv to Melitopol and from Velyka Novosilka to Berdiansk. To bolster their offensive against Russian positions, the area has been reinforced with German-made Leopard 2 tanks, American Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, and other military assets. The ultimate objective is to reach the Black Sea and disrupt Russia's supply route to Crimea. However, progress in regaining control has been gradual and limited, with Ukraine only managing to recapture a handful of small villages in the southern region.

Ukrainian soldiers load drones and ammunition into the back of a US-donated Humvee before a night-time assault.

Operations in the Eastern part of the country, where Kyiv's forces have steadily reclaimed numerous square kilometers since Russia's violent attack on Bakhmut last winter, have received considerably less attention.

"We have successfully penetrated their defensive line and are inflicting significant damage," Groove declares. According to him, the notorious Russian mercenary group, Wagner, which played a crucial role in Russia's advances during the winter, has reappeared in the region.

"Indeed, Wagner has made their presence known once again," he confirms. "They have promptly replaced their commanders and made their way back to this area."

Ukrainian forces near Bakhmut -- although central Bakhmut was captured by Russian forces in May, Ukrainian forces are still intent on retaking the city.

Libkos/Getty Images

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The presence of the group is believed by Groove to be aimed at compensating for the shortage of personnel on the Russian side. He states that Russia has brought troops from neighboring areas, indicating a lack of personnel in the current location.

Despite this, the situation is characterized as a slow and exhausting conflict, resembling a war of attrition. Ukrainian forces stationed here have fewer advanced Western equipment compared to their counterparts on the Southern frontline. Consequently, they rely more on intelligence and strategy rather than sheer physical strength.

"We change tactics constantly," commander Flint explains. "Its like boxing. We go for the body and then switch for the head."