Find and destroy. The actions of Ukrainian peculiar units during the Russian invasion. Analysis

fakenews.pl 2 years ago

A full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation caused Ukrainians to be forced to usage all available forces and means to defend themselves. Among them were units of the peculiar Operations Force of Ukraine (SSO). Operators of these troops, trained by NATO specialists, rapidly became thorns in the eye of Russian soldiers and commanders. The article discusses any examples of activities of Ukrainian peculiar units. The analysis should be considered more as a presentation of examples and an introduction to discussion than a comprehensive discussion of the subject. There will most likely be much more extended developments in the future.

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Special Operations Forces were formed in 2016, as part of an extended improvement of Ukraine's Armed Forces, due to failures during the Donbasa War. They came from a combination of various peculiar units subordinate to the military. As a consequence of the reform, all these troops were separated as a separate kind of Armed Forces of Ukraine and are subject to their own command.

Recent years for Ukrainian peculiar forces past under the sign of crucial modernization and exercises under the supervision of the best specialists from Canada, Denmark or the UK. In 2019, 140th peculiar Operations Force Center have received certificate to participate NATO consequence Forces (NATO consequence Force – NRF). This was for the first time in past the case of individuals from a state not belonging to the North Atlantic Pact. Read more about SSO organisation, training and weapons Here..

First phase of invasion

The article is divided into 3 parts.

The first includes the beginning of the invasion until Russian forces retreat from central Ukraine.
The second includes the Donbas offensive. Due to the change in nature of the actions resulting from the transfer of the war burden to the east, peculiar units had to adapt to the situation.
Third, it is the minute erstwhile Ukraine takes over the operational initiative, first to the south and then to the north of the front. Again, SSO operators had to face fresh challenges, this time in strictly offensive actions.

The first phase of the invasion is the fast advancement of the Russians along the main communication lines. After respective days, however, offensive actions were stopped as a consequence of strong opposition of Ukrainians. Invasion forces, primarily those in the Kharkiv and Kiev region, bounced distant from defensive positions around large cities. The Russian Command did not anticipate specified a situation, and the first wave of invasive troops did not follow another 1 to safe the acquired territory. As a result, supply lines and aggressor wings remained exposed, becoming an perfect mark for peculiar units and troops operating in irregular form.

Ukrainian peculiar units with thorn in the eye of the invader

In the first phase of the invasion, the Russian army attempted to orbit the capital of Ukraine, attacking at many points to accomplish this goal. This, however, caused her lines to become heavy stretched. The forested area located north of Kiev became an area of many ambushes conducted by Ukrainian peculiar forces.

Below we can see SSO operators with acquired or disabled Russian equipment. Precise strikes on Russian convoys and positions were highly crucial in slowing down the attack on the Kiev direction. The photographs came from the turn of February and March 2022. In the photos we can observe, among another things, the variant of the transporter BTR-80, tank T-80BVM Or a truck Ural-4320. They were most likely taken around Kiev, as indicated by the sign “V”.

The thing to pay peculiar attention to is the weapons of peculiar forces. 1 operator uses a PKM device gun, another captured AK-12 rifle. However, the comparatively common usage of a firearm manufactured in Ukraine is peculiarly interesting Malyuk. It is constructed in a strategy bullpup (coalless system) based on Kalashnikov rifles.

Special units ambush in Hostomell

Ukrainian peculiar forces have been conducting precise strikes against Russian dense equipment since the beginning of the invasion. An excellent example of the operation is the breakdown of the WDW convoy (Russian air-desanant troops) in Hostomel. The ambush on the considered elite units of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation caused large casualties in humans and the demolition of 3 BDM-2 vehicles and 1 BTR-D. Video with combat consequence can be seen Here. (note, drastic video material!).

On social media circulation different information on the location of the above film. Users claimed an ambush occurred in Irpein or Hostomell. We decided to identify her place. The best hint was tweet Ukraine military intelligence about this incident. It stated unequivocally that the fighting took place close the glassworks in Hostomell. It allowed us to be exact geolocation This place – street photos in Google Maps date back to 2015. The road on the recording is asphalt, not lined with an ankle. The elevation of 1 of the buildings is different color.

Snipers

Of course, snipers besides play an crucial function among SSO operators. Many of them have different weapons. Among them we will find, among others, produced in Ukraine Z-10 sniper rifle. It uses a NATO 7.62×51 mm missile. On Photo On the left, we can see a sniper in a safe position, who uses it in a damper version. After right visible There is an operator with a SIG 716 firearm in sniper version with a silencer. His distinctive camouflage is paying attention.

One example of Ukrainian sniper action is the following movie (Note, drastic!). It depicts the usage of a thermal sight to destruct the force of a surviving opponent. It is highly advanced nighttime equipment, although its usefulness during the day is besides invaluable. Shots fired at a distance of 706 meters, according to the displayed data. Most likely 2 Russian soldiers (red figures) were eliminated.

Second phase of invasion

After carrying the full burden of fighting to the east and south of Ukraine, the actions of peculiar forces besides had to be adapted to the specifics of the local front. The stretched columns and exposed wings of invaders became the past. The Russian army went on to decision on the long front, trying to push the defenders a mile after a kilometer. Impacts on selected episodes were preceded by a massive artillery wave.

The primary function of the SSO has been to identify targets for artillery, including delivered by the U.S. Haubic M777, multi-guided HIMARS rocket launchers and (available by Germany and the United Kingdom) M270 sets, French self-propelled cannon-haubic CAESAR or Polish Crabs. Of course, operators besides had their hands full with all peculiar activities of another type.

With surgical precision

A large example of identifying advanced value objectives is the following movie. Ukrainian peculiar forces have managed to find and identify a modern Russian communications station (R-439-OD or P-260-O). The precise coordinates were then transferred to the 92th Mechanized Brigade artillerymen. The enemy position, together with the precious equipment, was disposed of by a customs indirect fire. The full situation took place on 1 June 2022, in the Kharkiv Oblast (the exact location is shown in the material).

Kraken's long tentacles

Volunteer unit “Kraken” developed on the day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was founded by veterans of the “Azov” Regiment in the Kharkiv Oblast. It is surrounded by controversy, especially in political connotations. Branch members are accused of highly right-wing and nationalistic views. The unit rejects these accusations, but the fact remains that its founder, Constantine Nemichev, is an activist and politician associated with the far right. Among the soldiers “Kraken” many are his sympathizers and as he comes from Kharkiv.

However, the branch itself is hard to treat as a full-fledged peculiar unit (although it is presented on social media and by members of “Kraken”) due to the fact that the volunteers in it have never undergone training that operators of specified branches undergo. On the another hand, it constitutes an evenement and is not straight under the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defence. Therefore, he frequently participates in missions led by peculiar units of the Chief Intelligence Board of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (GUR). This was the case during the operation of the liberation of Ruski Łozowa in the Kharkiv Oblast in April 2022.

Film (Note, drastic!) From the liberation of the village was made available on Telegram. We can see the preparations for the mission, reconnaissance and mortar fire. Then a raid on the city is carried out, which is successful. We can besides observe the search of buildings after fighting, where the Russians left equipment, ammunition and food rations. At the end, assistance to the civilian population and its evacuation from dangerous areas was shown.

To the rescue

In addition to closely targeted actions against the Russian army, SSO operators besides carry out hostage-reflecting missions. In early July 2022, GUR units carried out specified units operation. It took place in the occupied Kherson region. As a result, a soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a erstwhile police officer and 3 civilians were released. Film (Note, drastic!) from the actions of the operators of peculiar units published an authoritative GUR account on Twitter.

Snake Island

Snake Island became an example of Ukrainian opposition to Russian occupier. Despite repeated attempts to safe the island, the efforts of the Russian troops failed. Regular Ukrainian artillery shellings and air strikes erstwhile and for all eliminated the units there. This forced the command of the invasive forces to retreat from the island.

7 July 2022 Ukrainian peculiar Forces Landed Snake Island. They then searched her area and secured her. The final phase was to suspend Ukrainian flags, including placing 1 large size on the mediate of the island. After these tasks, soldiers returned without failure to the base. Here. a video of the activities is available.

This operation had virtually no military significance, but was highly crucial in the propaganda struggle. It ridiculed the Russian invader and became a good material for strengthening Ukrainian morale as Snake Island was 1 of the symbols of the current conflict from the beginning.

Ukrainian peculiar units in Crimea

The activities of Ukrainian peculiar units in Crimea are covered by a fog of mystery. We do not know precisely how long and with what strength SSO operators have been operating on the peninsula or with what circumstantial tasks they do. There are strong suspicions that they are actually present.

In the first days after a mysterious attack on the Russian base of Saki in Crimea on 9 August 2022, it was reported that peculiar units could be responsible. That's what The Washington Post said, citing as an anonymous typical of the Ukrainian government.

Some time later, however, the Ukrainians themselves, by the mouth of the Chief Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Walerij Załużny They gave the informationThat rocket missiles were utilized for the attack. However, no circumstantial kind of weapon utilized was reported. A large part of Western professionals suspected specified a scenario, especially after analyzing satellite images from the scene of the attack. There is simply a strong likelihood that the targets and the minute of impact were based on data obtained by SSO operators.

Photographs of Ukrainian peculiar forces missions to Crimea besides appeared in the network. They're inactive here. published by a highly reliable Twitter account of @calibreobscur. Below you can see the collage of these photos.

There are besides many indications that the peculiar Operations Forces of Ukraine are besides liable for the “psychological War” in Crimea. Oleg Cariov, Russian collaborator informed about mysterious telephone calls that were expected to make confusion among civilians on the peninsula. Unknown perpetrators were expected to call the hotel to inform about the alleged evacuation. There was besides a list of “Ukrainian saboteurs” in Crimea, in fact composed of erstwhile FSB officers. Such actions, carried out by peculiar units, are an crucial part of the struggles during the war.

Third phase of invasion

The transition to counteroffensive by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the confederate front became a determinant of the 3rd phase of the war. This time the operational initiative began to pass into the hands of Ukrainians. August 29 has been announced offensive in the Kherson direction. Taking advantage of the situation and moving key Russian units south, the Ukrainian Army on 6 September started attack in the Kharkiv region. Its effectiveness proved unexpected and in just a fewer days the key cities of Kupansk and Izium were liberated from occupation.

Ukrainian peculiar units moving to the poles played an crucial function in these activities. Their tasks have become much more dynamic than before. Operators one more time had to prove their effectiveness.

Trolling – intellectual Game

On September 5 pro-Russian social media accounts began publishing recording to present dead SSO operators at the riverbank. They were to be killed during the alleged rally at the Zaporoska atomic Power Plant. The video was made available, among another things, by Władysław Poźdniakow, a Russian propaganda player (his Telegram account is at this minute private).

However, as it turned out, the movie was just a gag directed in the Russians. Real Movie lasted a fewer seconds longer than it was made available on the procremlovian channels and showed how “dead” Ukrainians on the recording password stand up, laughing.

How read Aric Toler, a associate of the Bellingcat group, himself Podniakow was annoyed by the full situation. In emotion announced besides that he will banish anyone who mocks him for mistake. Shortly thereafter, erstwhile the fact that he was deceived went out to social media wider, he changed his account preferences as private. many pro-Russian Twitter accounts besides removed the video erstwhile it turned out that they were besides victims of Ukrainian trolling. specified actions as above are besides applicable in the ongoing intellectual war between the occupier and defenders. Humoring your opponent is an effective tool in raising your own morale and weakening enemy morale.

Kharkiv offensive

During fast Ukrainian advancement in the Kharkiv Oblast, peculiar troops moving to the point, frequently overtaken Russian units. This allowed them to set traps and introduce the opposing soldiers into them.

A good example will be an ambush on individuals Rosgwardii (Federal Service of the National defender Service of Russia) basic action in Ukraine is securing occupied areas. Including, among others, the recognition and arrest of pro-Ukrainian activists, the fight against guerrillas or the demolition of possible protests of civilians.

During the Ukrainian offensive, 1 of Rosgwardia's troops (most likely the SOBR peculiar unit), while withdrawing from Balakliji, was ambushed by SSO operators. Full failure size is not known, but photos show damaged handguns and abandoned armored Ural and KAMAZ trucks. See more on this movie.

Summary

The forces of peculiar Operations of Ukraine play an crucial function in the ongoing conflict. The training and determination of SSO operators are crucial in the effective performance of their tasks. As the above examples show, soldiers of peculiar troops have been doing their tasks with full dedication and commitment from the very beginning of the conflict. Their advanced efficiency is simply a perfect example for following and analyzing branches from around the world.

We do not yet have very much information about their activities and most likely after the end of the war the daylight will see quite a few information about extraordinary operations carried out by SSO operators. For now, peculiar units are a pride and a very crucial part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Sources

Ukrmilitary.com: https://www.ukrmilitary.com/p/specially-forces-operations.html

Janes: https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/Ukraine-conflict-Ukrainian-specific-operations-forces-in-focus

Mil.in.ua: https://mil.in.ua/uk/ukrayinska-chastyna-sertyfikovana-yak-syly-shvydkogo-reaguvannya-nato/

NATO: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natal/topics_49755.htm?selectedLocale=en

Grey Dynamics: https://greydynamics.com/Ukrainian-specific-operations-forces-uasof/

Oryx: https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/04/answering-call-heavy-weaponry-supplied.html

The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/06/03/Ukraine-kraken-volunteer-military-unit/ and https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/10/Ukraine-russia-crimea-beach-blast/

Chief Board of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine: https://gur.gov.ua/en/content/coordinatsiinyi-shtab-z-question-povodzhennia-z-viiskovopolonenymy-v-khodi-spetsoperatii-z-polonu-zvilneno-p-iatokh-ukrainsiv.html

Naval News: https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/07/ukrainian-navy-special-forces-spearhead-daring-snake-island-mission/

BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62821044

Yahoo! News: https://news.yahoo.com/Ukraine-atacms-himars-missions-161843626.html