Two Ukrainian soldiers from the elite Da Vinci Wolves unit recently accomplished what many would consider impossible in the contested landscape of Pokrovsk, a small town in the embattled Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. Despite being outnumbered, these defenders stood firm against a Russian assault group of five, forcing them into retreat and disabling their vehicle with the help of real-time drone intelligence.
The Da Vinci Wolves, part of the 108th Territorial Defence Battalion, have become known for their mobility, precision, and advanced battlefield awareness. Formed in honour of Dmytro Kotsiubailo, a revered Ukrainian commander affectionately known as “Da Vinci”, the unit combines bravery with technology. Their latest clash demonstrated exactly that.
As the Russian vehicle advanced, the two soldiers received live visual support from a drone operator. Timing their response to perfection, they opened fire just as the enemy drew near, damaging the vehicle and scattering the attacking force. It was a tactical victory, but also a symbol of Ukraine’s growing reliance on small, agile units capable of countering Russia’s brute-force strategies.
The terrain around Donetsk has become synonymous with trench warfare and grinding artillery duels. But Ukrainian forces are adapting, using technology and unconventional tactics to level the playing field. While the Russian dictator’s troops struggle to advance amid heavy losses, Ukrainian defenders are evolving, faster and smarter.
Meanwhile, signs of Russia’s mounting insecurity are emerging far beyond the frontlines. In the southern Russian city of Krasnodar, schoolchildren were paraded beside wooden mock tanks and tractors posing as armoured vehicles. A man dressed as a war veteran, likely born years after the Second World War, added to the surreal display.
In Yakutia, the so-called “Victory Day” parade turned almost farcical. A coffin-like tractor masquerading as a tank was showcased in a scene more symbolic of decay than pride. Parades in Russia’s western regions bordering Ukraine were mostly cancelled, citing “security reasons” that everyone knows are rooted in fear of Ukrainian long-range strikes and drone attacks.
Even Moscow’s annual May 9 parade was reportedly delayed until the Kremlin was assured that Ukraine would not strike the capital. The event was noticeably scaled back. Reports suggest this caution came after pressure from US President Donald Trump, who urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to refrain from escalating on that symbolic day. The alleged involvement of Trump raises questions about his stance, seemingly giving weight to the concerns of the Kremlin over the defence of Ukraine.
On the battlefield, Ukraine continues to push back. In the Kharkiv region, the Ukrainian Third Assault Brigade destroyed a Russian BMP-3 infantry vehicle, two artillery systems, trucks and a supply vehicle, while neutralising Russian troops. This brigade, formed during the height of the full Russian invasion, includes hardened veterans, former special forces, and volunteers, known for their speed and high morale.
Equipped with reconnaissance drones and trained in urban warfare, they execute close quarters combat with deadly efficiency. Their role in battles such as the defence of Bakhmut and ongoing operations in Donetsk has made them one of the most effective units in Ukraine’s arsenal.
