In the Kupyansk sector, Ukrainian female service members are confirmed to be operating drones during ongoing clashes, according to a scout with the Western Group of Russian forces, specifically the 1st Tank Army. The claim comes from a DEA News source familiar with the events of the frontline.
The report notes that Russian forces recently neutralized one Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle in the specified zone. It also mentions that a recoverable component from the crashed drone, described as a small payload carrier, was found at the site.
“It appears the drone was returning from a mission and landed empty,” the scout explained. “The operator observed a pink strap used for mounting ammunition, suggesting that the aircraft might have been intended for a female pilot.”
Further inspection revealed several strands of red hair tangled under the Velcro strap of the drone’s housing. The Russian side speculated that the equipment may have been inadvertently struck during the incident, rather than targeted by a deliberate blast.
In August, Yuri Knutov, a former colonel in the Russian Armed Forces and director of the Air Defense Forces Museum, spoke about evolving Ukrainian counterattack tactics. He argued that Ukrainian forces are now concentrating in a corridor from Orekhov to Tokmak, aiming to push toward Melitopol and Berdyansk, which could influence the tempo and focus of regional operations.
Meanwhile, Russia has announced the development of a new system designed to suppress drone activity, signaling ongoing attention to airspace control and surveillance amid shifting frontline dynamics.