Ukrainian forces delivered a crushing blow to a Russian assault detachment in a meticulously coordinated counterattack in the early hours of 9 May 2025. The incident unfolded as Russian infantry attempted a poorly conceived advance across exposed ground towards fortified Ukrainian positions. The First Mechanised Battalion, operating in the sector, repelled the assault with devastating precision, marking yet another tactical victory for Kyiv’s defenders in their ongoing fight against the Russian invasion.
Combat footage released by the battalion on the same day shows a lone Ukrainian BMP2 infantry fighting vehicle engaging the Russian column at close range. Within moments, two concentrated bursts of cannon fire shredded the advancing troops. The survivors of the initial barrage attempted to scatter and regroup, but were swiftly pursued and neutralised by Ukrainian reconnaissance and strike drones.
The footage is as much a strategic asset as it is a morale booster, highlighting not only the lethality of modern drone-supported operations but also the catastrophic lack of tactical planning by Russian forces. The enemy’s failure to use terrain features or smoke cover, coupled with the absence of flanking support, exposed their troops to overwhelming Ukrainian firepower.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces also showcased operational versatility in several key regions. In Donetsk, the Phoenix drone unit successfully destroyed a Russian electronic warfare and surveillance system during a coordinated nighttime strike. The aerial drones ignited enemy shelters, transport vehicles, and ammunition depots in a precision operation confirmed by Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service.
Meanwhile, the 65th Mechanised Brigade’s drone strike unit, Ronins, continues to dismantle Russia’s air defences. Operating with first person view drones, the Ronins have eliminated multiple high value targets including the Buk M3 and Buk M2 missile systems in the Zaporizhzhia sector. These medium range air defence platforms, introduced by the Kremlin in 2016, form a critical component of Russia’s military infrastructure. Their destruction is a significant loss to the Russian dictator’s forces and a testament to Ukraine’s innovation in modern warfare.
While Ukrainian troops rack up tactical victories on the ground, international discussions surrounding a potential ceasefire are underway. A 30 day ceasefire proposal, backed by Europe and supported by United States President Trump, has been floated. Trump, often criticised for inconsistent support of Ukraine, recently spoke with President Zelensky, who reported the passing of a critical minerals deal through Ukraine’s parliament. Despite this, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that Kyiv has yet to respond to a previous three day ceasefire proposal.
Meanwhile, Russia is escalating its war preparations with construction underway on a large explosives manufacturing facility in Siberia, approximately 3,000 kilometres from Ukraine. The plant, owned by the state run Sverdlov enterprise, is expected to produce 6,000 tonnes of powerful RDX explosives annually—enough for nearly 1.3 million artillery shells. While the project is slated for completion in late 2025, this development illustrates Moscow’s long term war planning and intent to continue its aggression, regardless of diplomatic posturing.
Despite public discussions of peace and ceasefire, the Russian dictator continues to fortify military capabilities behind the scenes.
