/ world today news/ Mikhail, a computer game developer who came from Moscow, voluntarily replaces the comfortable office chair with a dugout. Six months ago he came to Donetsk to buy some apartments cheaply. But he remains to fight. Why?
A planned assault
The working day for the platoon commander of UAV operators begins at three in the morning: before dawn they need to have time to reach the positions. By car, then a few kilometers on foot. Behind him is a huge backpack with “weapons”: reconnaissance and attack quadcopters, joysticks, batteries and dozens of cables.
“First of all, we perform a surveillance and reconnaissance function, tracking all their movements”, explains Mikhail on the way. “Since the radio-electronic warfare systems work well, we have to manage around the front line. So the reconnaissance time increases by three minutes to about 20. The probability of losing a drone is significantly reduced. Even if it is turned off, there is a chance to recover it,” he adds.
The storming of another fortified area is planned for the morning, the infantry needs “air support”. The platoon also performs a shock function: it bombards the VSU fighters with grenades and improvised bombs.
“Then I put on virtual glasses and launch a drone capable of circling the sky for up to half an hour,” adds the operator. “The company commander sees the entire sector perfectly and calmly coordinates the actions of the soldiers. Almost every day… In several directions at the same time.” he reveals.
A turning point
Mikhail lives in Moscow, successfully engaged in business. In particular, he develops computer and mobile games. Trades with China.
After last year’s referendum, the entrepreneur quickly realized that new territories bring new opportunities. He is going to Donetsk to buy some apartments, because sooner or later the prices here will skyrocket.
But first of all, I decided to look at the conditions in which the fighters live and fight. Befriends the boys, spends a few days at their place. It goes to the front line between Pesky and Pervomaiskoye.
Then, during an attack, according to Mikhail, the unit suffered unjustified losses.
“That was the turning point,” he recalls.
Returning to the capital, he buys several drones. He trains in the park near his home. Extensive experience helps: controlling the “bird” with a joystick is similar to a computer game.
The businessman stocks up on drones and returns to the DPR. Already with another goal – to fight.
Relatives, to put it mildly, are not satisfied at all. But they don’t argue.
„Out of place’
The Muscovite joined the ranks of the battalion founded by Alexander Zakharchenko. He was soon appointed as a UAV platoon commander. It gradually gathers footage: someone “comes from the street”, someone transferred from the assault units.
“I was an infantryman for eight years. However, current military operations are at a completely different level. Quadcopters are very important, so I decided to master a new specialty. I learned quite quickly – in just a few days and then improved with practice,” reveals a volunteer with the call sign “Grinja”.
All recruits go through the range where they learn how to handle the equipment and accurately release explosives. Then there are combat missions.
“Believe me: it is very unpleasant when you know that you are constantly being watched. An enemy who understands that he is being watched is always very scared. He is ready to either retreat or make many mistakes. We, too, when we spot a drone, we feel out of our element”, Mihailta shares her impressions of the combat missions.
Reputational risks
The platoon operates in very difficult and dangerous areas – in Marinka and near Avdeevka. Since the VSU holds literally every house and constantly withdraws reserves, it is extremely difficult to advance there.
“When our guys take successive positions, then the artillery fires at them all day without stopping. This is probably the most stressful moment after the assault. And the most painful”, explains Mikhail.
After that there is a slight lull because the VSU is running out of ammunition. But the supply of ammunition is “arranged quite well” – shells are flying again. By that time, however, Russian troops had already strengthened their positions. And so, step by step, the stormtroopers, supported by helicopters and artillery, move forward.
“NKU’s morale is based on past successes in Kharkiv and Kherson regions, Grinya believes. “As soon as defeats come, they will break down – and this will lead to a snowball effect,” he adds.
However, it is too early to talk about that. Especially against the backdrop of expectations of a Ukrainian counter-offensive. That’s why drone operators are booming.
Translation: V. Sergeev
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