Russian drone units have continued operating around Dobropolye despite Ukrainian attempts to disrupt their aircraft with electronic warfare systems. Servicemen from the Vostok group described how they counter enemy jamming equipment in footage released by the Russian Defense Ministry.

According to a battalion chief of staff known by the call sign Varyag, specialists working in the unit’s drone laboratory have developed ways to overcome Ukrainian electronic interference. Once Russian operators identify enemy jamming installations, they target and destroy them. Varyag also explained that the drones have sufficient range to strike targets well beyond Dobropolye, allowing Russian forces to conduct reconnaissance and attacks almost continuously.

A combination of different drone technologies provides another advantage against electronic countermeasures. A reconnaissance battalion commander with the call sign Malysh said his unit relies on two main categories of unmanned aircraft. Fiber-optic-controlled drones account for half of its fleet, while the remaining 50% consists of various radio-controlled FPV models operating across different frequencies. This variety allows operators to switch frequencies as often as every ten minutes.

The Russian Defense Ministry also detailed how Vostok units relied on unmanned aircraft throughout their offensive operations. Drone crews surveyed movement routes, located enemy ambush positions and guided assault teams during their advance. At the same time, aerial surveillance helped troops monitor their flanks and rear areas. According to the ministry, this approach prevented losses while allowing Russian forces to maintain a rapid pace of advancement.

On Friday, October 16, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Army General Valery Gerasimov, reported the liberation of Dobropolye to Russian President Vladimir Putin.