Russian Assault On Hannivka Shows New Tactics Against Ukrainian Drones

Ukraine’s Drone Defenses

The primary challenge facing the Russian offensive is Ukraine’s extensive use of tactical drones. Ukrainian forces operate a diverse fleet that ranges from small reconnaissance and FPV strike drones to larger multirotor bombers, commonly referred to as Baba Yagas. These drones provide Ukrainian forces with persistent surveillance and strike capabilities across the front. They are operated by small teams dispersed throughout the region, often from concealed, protected locations. This dispersion, combined with the large number of drone teams, has made it difficult for Russian forces to locate and target them.

The growing range and capabilities of these drones have created extensive “kill zones” along the front. Within these areas, Ukrainian drones continuously patrol for Russian soldiers and vehicles, making movement extremely dangerous. These kill zones can extend 10 to 15 kilometers from the front, with some Ukrainian drone units striking targets at ranges of 20 to 30 kilometers. As drone technology improves, these zones are becoming deeper. As such, Russian forces must cross several kilometers of terrain under persistent drone surveillance before they can even reach Ukrainian defensive positions.

These kill zones inherently make it difficult for Russian forces to achieve the mass needed for an assault. Ukrainian drones can easily detect and target tanks, armored vehicles, and platoon-sized elements of soldiers. Once detected, these forces are attacked by multiple FPV drones and other Ukrainian fires. Russia has responded by shifting to small assault groups that are more difficult to detect. However, these smaller groups lack the combat power needed to overwhelm Ukrainian positions and capture terrain.

Russian Tactics During The Hannivka Assault

The recent Russian assault on Hannivka in late August provides insight into how Russian forces are attempting to overcome these drone defenses. According to the Russian MoD video describing this battle, Russian assault groups entered the settlement at night and during poor weather conditions. These conditions reduced the effectiveness of the smaller Ukrainian reconnaissance and FPV drones that normally detect approaching Russian forces. These drones generally lack night vision or thermal capabilities, while their small size makes them difficult to pilot in high winds. By avoiding detection, the Russian assault groups were able to reach Ukrainian positions before being detected.

Once the assault began, Ukrainian forces appeared to have called for drone support to counter the Russian forces. This support came primarily in the form of larger Baba Yaga bomber drones, which carry thermal imaging systems that allow them to operate at night. Furthermore, their larger size makes them more stable than smaller FPV drones in adverse weather conditions, although it also makes them easier targets.

Russian forces appeared to have anticipated the arrival of the Baba Yaga drones. They positioned their own FPV drone teams forward and employed what the Russian soldier described as the “waiter” tactic. Instead of searching for targets, Russian FPV drones waited for Ukrainian Baba Yagas to approach the area and then intercepted them. Positioning the Russian operators closer to the front reduced their flight time and limited the effects of electronic warfare on their drones. The interviewed soldier claims that the unit destroyed 792 Baba Yagas during the assault.

With the Ukrainian heavy bombers unable to reach the assault area, Russian ground forces could continue advancing and clear Ukrainian positions within the settlement. Earlier training videos posted by the Russian MoD show Russian forces training to clear urban areas. They follow doctrinal assault approaches, moving dismounted in small groups in a smooth, continuous pattern. The settlement was likely abandoned by civilians, which made it easier to clear. According to the Russian soldier in the interview, the assault groups made an effort to clear every room, including basements, to find Ukrainian defensive positions and drone operators.

While the video only covers the assault, Russian forces had spent weeks setting the stage for the operation. An earlier video posted by the MoD shows a montage of Russian drone and artillery strikes on Hannivka. These strikes systematically targeted obstacles and protective measures emplaced throughout the town. Russian drones also provided intelligence on the approximate locations of Ukrainian defensive positions. This preparatory work allowed the assault force to move quickly once the operation began.

However, the Russian account should be treated with caution. The Russian MoD has come under criticism in recent months for making bold claims about capturing settlements that remain contested or under Ukrainian control. There have also been reports suggesting that the Russian military bloggers have altered imagery to show battlefield success in areas where Russian forces have not made significant gains. Regardless, the video posted by the Russian MoD provides insight into the current assault and drone tactics being employed by Russian forces.

The Ukrainian Response To The New Russian Tactics

It is important to note that Hannivka is a relatively small village with a pre-war population of approximately 1,100 people. The village does not have any large buildings, and the surrounding terrain is generally flat. According to the Russian account, its primary significance was its location along a logistics corridor being used by Ukrainian forces. While this approach could work in a smaller village, it is unlikely to be as effective in a significantly larger settlement. It is also unlikely to produce the type of breakthrough that Russia has sought throughout its current offensive. Despite these limitations, these emerging Russian tactics are still important given the large number of small settlements that Russia must capture to gain control of the remainder of Donetsk Oblast.

As seen throughout the war, Ukraine will counter with new techniques and technologies. This will likely include autonomous systems that are less dependent on weather and visibility, including ground sensors and robots that can detect approaching Russian forces. Ukrainian forces may also find new methods to improve their drone capabilities at night and during inclement weather. They may also add additional obstacles and protections around forward positions to slow Russian assault groups and provide more time for Ukrainian forces to respond.

The reported Hannivka assault represents another step in the continuing tactical competition between Russian assault forces and Ukrainian drone operators. Rather than defeating Ukraine’s drone network outright, the Russian approach attempts to exploit temporary weaknesses in that network and prevent heavier drones from responding. Its longer-term success will depend on whether Russia can repeat these tactics faster than Ukraine can adapt its defenses.