Russian Forces Use New Drones with Starlink Near Pokrovsk
Russian occupation forces near Pokrovsk in Donetsk region have started using new BM-35 strike drones equipped with Starlink communication systems, a Ukrainian general has said.
Brigadier General Yevhen Lastichuk, commander of the 7th Corps of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, revealed in an interview with RBC-Ukraine that Russian forces near Pokrovsk have begun using new BM-35 strike drones. These drones are equipped with Starlink communication systems, allowing them to strike targets far behind the front line.
According to the general, the drones are operated by the Russian drone unit "Rubikon," considered an elite force within the Russian military. The BM-35 is described as an analogue of the Iranian Shahed drone but smaller in size. Lastichuk stated that these drones have already attempted to attack Ukrainian equipment.
He also emphasized that Ukrainian paratroopers still control the northern outskirts of Pokrovsk, despite the enemy concentrating its largest force grouping, "Center," in this sector. The fighting near Pokrovsk involves units of the Russian 41st and 51st armies.
Lastichuk further noted that Russian troops employ a tactic of infiltration by small assault groups, consisting of two or three soldiers who use terrain and weather conditions to approach Ukrainian positions undetected.
