Overview
- Deputy chief Sergey Ishtuganov says the new branch has defined its structure, created regular regiments and units, and is assigning operators, engineers, technicians and support specialists.
- Ukrainian authorities and investigators previously linked Ishtuganov and troops from the 104th division to the reported execution of three prisoners near Krynky in 2024, an allegation now resurfacing as he takes a senior role.
- Frontline accounts describe near-continuous UAV operations, with Orlan-10/30 and Zala drones designating targets for Krasnopol rounds and Lancet strikes, and electronic-warfare teams countering Ukrainian drones in Kharkiv and Sumy sectors.
- Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection forces report new methods from the campaign, over 20 new equipment types including TOS-2 and next-generation RCB reconnaissance systems, and ongoing R&D on aerosol masking and ground robotics.
- Russian units claim the capture of Novoe in Zaporizhzhia with up to ten Ukrainian armored vehicles destroyed, and report downing a reconnaissance drone near Chasiv Yar allegedly built from NATO-made components.