A potent combination of advanced drone warfare, North Korean troops, and seasoned Russian military units is putting Ukraine’s forces in Kursk under increasing pressure, threatening to cut off critical supply lines to their positions in the region. Russian forces, including the 177th Marine Regiment, 810th Naval Infantry Brigade, and 11th Air Assault Brigade, have advanced on the Ukrainian-held Kursk salient, assisted by a revived North Korean contingent.
This push began just as U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration halted intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine, exacerbating the Ukrainian military’s challenges. The result has been a reversal of Ukrainian territorial gains made in February 2025, with Russian forces inching closer to severing the vital route into the Ukrainian base in Sudzha, Kursk’s main town.
Though Ukrainian authorities have stated that the situation remains “under control,” the recent influx of Russian reinforcements, including the well-known Rubicon Center of Advanced Unmanned Systems, has complicated their defense efforts. The Rubicon group, known for its advanced drone tactics, is rapidly altering the dynamics on the battlefield.
Russian Drones: A Game-Changer in Kursk
The Rubicon drone group’s precision and effectiveness have put Ukrainian forces on the defensive. These drones target key sections of roads, often ranging from 100 to 300 meters, with overwhelming force. By launching coordinated attacks on vehicles from multiple angles, Rubicon has neutralized hundreds of Ukrainian vehicles, including supply trucks and armored vehicles such as the M-2 Bradley and MaxxPro trucks.
One of the key features of Rubicon’s tactics is its ability to deploy drones in a manner that resembles anti-tank mines. These drones often land on roads and detonate beneath vehicles, with upward-facing shaped charges designed to cause maximum destruction. Additionally, Rubicon’s drones use advanced radio control systems that can switch frequencies, enabling them to bypass Ukrainian jamming efforts—something that typically grounds most Russian drones.
As a result, Ukrainian logistics in Kursk have taken a serious hit, severely damaging their ability to supply frontline troops. “Numbers are definitely not [on] our side,” commented Kriegsforscher, a Ukrainian marine corps drone operator on the ground.
Ukrainian Response: MiG-29 Raids and Countermeasures
The Ukrainian Air Force has deployed MiG-29 fighter jets in response, including one mission where a MiG-29 bombed a Russian warehouse sheltering armored vehicles that were supporting the counteroffensive in Kursk. Despite this, the Ukrainian forces face an uphill battle against Rubicon’s drone surge. Ukrainian troops were also able to thwart a Russian incursion through an old pipeline into Sudzha, but the situation remains precarious.
Experts argue that the real solution for Ukraine lies in enhancing its jamming technology. “Without significant advancements in jamming technology to counter Rubicon’s capabilities, maintaining a hold in Kursk may become unsustainable,” warned independent analyst Andrew Perpetua.
The battlefield in Kursk is now a contest between Ukrainian ingenuity and the Russian drone onslaught. As the situation grows more dire, Ukraine may need to quickly adapt its defense strategy to counter the innovative threats posed by Russia’s drone capabilities. The balance of power in Kursk hangs in the balance, and the outcome will likely determine the strategic direction of the ongoing conflict.
As Russian forces continue to close in on Ukrainian positions, Kyiv must urgently reassess its military and technological tactics, or risk losing control of this critical region.
