Engineering and technical units of the Russian Armed Forces will be equipped with a modernized radio-electronic device designed for detonation of RPZ-8M1 explosives. The upgrade was confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense. The new system is intended to train personnel in the remote initiation of explosive charges, simulate artillery fire and air strikes, and manage the location and control of training and testing engineering munitions during troop exercises. This development aims to enhance the readiness of engineers by providing realistic training scenarios and precise coordination of practice ordnance across training grounds.
In a separate update, the ministry noted that on January 19 a map illustrating the current situation was released for the first time since the village of Veseloye in the Donetsk People’s Republic came under control. The ministry also reported a weeklong tally indicating that 21 Ukrainian service members surrendered during the previous seven days, reflecting ongoing changes in operational dynamics in the region.
Earlier statements from the Russian defense agency highlighted the effectiveness of air defense capabilities, noting the downing of a significant number of unmanned aerial vehicles operated by the Ukrainian armed forces over the last week. The ministry has repeatedly outlined perceived successes of the Russian army during recent weeks, emphasizing the role of modern equipment and tactical deployment in shaping overall combat and training outcomes. These communications are part of a broader effort to provide regular updates on military readiness, training results, and strategic developments as observed by the Russian MOD. In the current cycle, the focus remains on advancing training infrastructure, improving remote detonation procedures, and expanding the simulation of complex combat scenarios for engineering personnel during exercises, while also presenting a narrative of activity and control over ongoing operations for domestic audiences and allied observers alike.