Ukrainian troops tell CBS News why small, cheap drones are essential to incursion into Russia’s Kursk region

On the border between Ukraine and Russia — CBS News met with troops from Ukraine’s 117th Territorial Defense Brigade in the eastern Sumy region as they prepared for another trip to the front lines. Their mission is to support Ukraine’s military operations inside the Kursk region of Russia.

The military was preparing another drone for a one-way mission, with its deadly payload: a grenade attached by cable ties. The simple weapon cost only about $400 to assemble, but it would soon be hunting multimillion-dollar targets.

Private Igor piloted the drone in a test, but on real missions he can watch someone’s final moments on its small screen, and he admitted it can feel personal.

“It’s emotional,” he told CBS News. “But I understand we chose the right path.”

Drones have played a major role in the war – for both sides – since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The small unmanned aircraft are now playing a key role in Ukraine’s surprise offensive as troops seize ground in Russia’s western Kursk region.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said the incursion was part of a new Ukrainian tactic aimed at creating a buffer zone inside Russia to prevent attacks on Ukraine, and even to turn the tide of the war as its troops struggle to hold the line elsewhere on the long front.

Russia said Friday for the second time this week that Ukraine tried to attack the Kursk nuclear power plant with a drone, denouncing what it called “nuclear terrorism.” The Russian Defense Ministry said it shot down three drones that were heading toward the plant.

Ukrainian authorities did not immediately comment on the allegations, which come days before the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is scheduled to visit the Kursk plant. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has called on all parties to exercise restraint to avoid a potentially catastrophic nuclear accident. has issued numerous similar warnings and appeals Over the past two years, Russian forces have occupied Ukrainian nuclear power plants and missiles and drones have landed near the facilities.

Sergeant Alex, who leads the Ukrainian drone unit that brought CBS News to the Russian border, said the weapons are extremely important to his country, not only because they are cost-effective, but also because they are “much more effective and accurate than artillery.”

This makes these units prime targets for Russian drones, and Moscow has more and more of them. According to the troops, the most important role in the team is that of Private Victor. He drives them to and from the front line, and it is not uncommon for their vehicle to be chased by Russian drones.

When asked what goes through his mind at such times, he replies: “Nothing.”

“Speed ​​and professionalism are the most important,” Victor said, adding that they also constantly hope that there are no outages.

On an average day, the brigade said it would carry out up to five search-and-destroy missions targeting Russian armor, vehicles and troops.

“We still have one mission,” Sergeant Alex told CBS News. “Destroy the enemy.”

This is an enemy they are now fighting on Russian soil.

The Biden administration has pledged an additional $125 million in military aid to Ukraine. Officials said Thursday that the latest package will include counter-drone and electronic warfare systems.