Why Putin is failing at Dnipro against Ukraine’s ‘elite paratrooper brigade’ | Maxim Tucker

(DNIPRO, UKRAINE) – Ukrainian forces led by an elite airborne brigade are spearheading counterattacks in the south east, reclaiming territory and pushing back Russian advances, according to frontline reporting.

The 82nd Airborne Brigade, previously deployed near Sumy and in operations around Russia’s Kursk region, has been redeployed to the Zaporizhzhia front. The unit, equipped in part with British supplied Challenger 2 tanks, is now leading assaults aimed at retaking occupied areas and preventing further Russian encroachment towards Dnipropetrovsk region.

The brigade forms part of a wider counterattacking force which claims to have retaken around 400 square kilometres of territory from Russian troops. Ukrainian commanders say the unit has been active in the sector for approximately two months and has already had a measurable impact on the battlefield.

Tactically, Ukraine continues to rotate stronger assault formations into vulnerable sectors where Russian forces have made limited gains against less capable territorial defence units. These elite formations are specifically trained for offensive operations and are deployed to stabilise and reverse such advances.

Commanders attribute recent progress in part to disruption within Russian command and control systems. Ukrainian officers report that Russian communications have been in disarray, reducing coordination and making their units less effective. This has also limited Russian drone surveillance, allowing Ukrainian troops to manoeuvre with reduced detection.

Seasonal weather conditions have further aided operations. Cold, grey conditions with sleet have reduced drone visibility, enabling Ukrainian units to advance under cover.

Away from the frontline, the mood in Kyiv has improved compared with the winter months. After enduring sustained Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, sub zero temperatures, and widespread power outages, residents are experiencing more stable electricity supply and warmer weather. Cafes and public spaces have reopened, and daily life has partially normalised.

Despite continued hardships, including some homes still lacking heating, there is cautious optimism. Ukrainian officials note that Russian forces have failed to achieve significant breakthroughs this year and are sustaining heavy losses. These losses are assessed to be exceeding current Russian recruitment capacity.

Economic pressures are also affecting Russia. Food inflation is reported to have risen between 20 and 40 percent, while the Kremlin is considering budget cuts of around 10 percent due to reduced revenues and the impact of Western sanctions.

However, the outbreak of conflict involving Iran has raised concerns in Kyiv about a potential diversion of international attention and resources. Ukrainian officials fear that Western military support, particularly advanced air defence systems and interceptors, could be redirected to the Middle East.

Ukraine relies heavily on systems such as the Patriot missile for defence against Russian ballistic attacks. The high cost and limited supply of these interceptors remain a key concern. Ukrainian officials note that several Patriot missiles are often required to intercept a single incoming threat, raising sustainability issues.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered to deploy Ukrainian military specialists to assist partners in the Middle East. Although the United States has not taken up the offer, Ukraine has outlined its expertise in integrated air defence as a potential contribution.

Over the course of the war, Ukraine has developed a layered air defence system combining Soviet era platforms with modern NATO equipment such as Patriot, IRIS T, and NASAMS. This system integrates multiple interception methods, from machine guns targeting drones to advanced missile systems protecting critical infrastructure.

Ukrainian forces have also adapted by prioritising cost effective solutions. Helicopters, aircraft cannon fire, and electronic warfare are increasingly used to counter drones instead of relying solely on expensive missile interceptors. Ukraine claims to have downed approximately 44,000 Shahed type drones since the start of the war.

By comparison, the United States and its allies reportedly used more Patriot missiles in the first four days of the Iran conflict than Ukraine has used in four years. Ukrainian officials say they have used around 600 Patriot missiles over three years, highlighting a focus on conservation and efficiency.

Kyiv has deployed more than 200 specialists abroad, including air defence personnel, engineers, and digital systems experts. Their role is to help partner nations optimise defensive systems, reduce reliance on high cost interceptors, and improve coordination.

Ukrainian officials emphasise lessons learned in mobility and concealment of air defence assets. Systems are frequently repositioned to avoid detection by Russian drones and satellites. In contrast, fixed installations in other theatres have been exposed and targeted, resulting in significant financial losses.

Recent incidents in the Middle East, including damage to high value radar systems and reported cases of friendly fire, underline the importance of coordination and identification systems. Ukrainian experts stress that effective integration and disciplined deployment are critical to avoiding such outcomes.

As the war continues, Ukraine faces the dual challenge of sustaining its own defence while ensuring that global demand for key military systems does not outpace supply. Production of Patriot missiles is expected to increase, but current and projected output may remain insufficient given the scale of demand across multiple conflicts.