The 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, known for its resolute defense capabilities, continues to play a pivotal role in Ukraine's battlefield strategy. Recently, the brigade's renowned BULAVA Unmanned Systems Battalion has excelled in intercepting and destroying 36 Russian UAVs using STING interceptors. The brigade has effectively countered threats like the Russian "Kashchey" reconnaissance drones and "Molniya"-type attack drones. Their success is not just limited to the skies; in Belgorod, operators destroyed a building storing enemy ammunition. Overall, the brigade embodies Ukraine's defense prowess, leveraging advanced UAV technology and tactical expertise to maintain its aerial dominance.
What is the role of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade in Ukraine's defense?
The 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade plays a crucial role in Ukraine's defense by utilizing advanced drone technology to intercept and destroy enemy UAVs, maintaining aerial dominance, and effectively countering threats on the battlefield. Their efforts significantly contribute to defending the Ukrainian skies and territory.
How does the 72nd Brigade utilize drones in its operations?
The brigade's BULAVA Unmanned Systems Battalion employs drones for intercepting and neutralizing enemy UAVs and artillery, conducting reconnaissance, and executing targeted strikes on enemy positions. This advanced use of drone technology enhances their tactical operations and battlefield effectiveness.
What successes has the 72nd Brigade achieved with drone operations?
The 72nd Brigade has successfully destroyed a significant number of Russian UAVs and infrastructural targets using their drones. Notable achievements include downing advanced Russian reconnaissance and attack drones, and strikes against enemy ammunition storage buildings in key regions like Belgorod.
Who are the BULAVA drone operators?
The BULAVA Unmanned Systems Battalion, part of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, consists of highly skilled drone operators specializing in aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, and strategic strikes. Their expertise in unmanned technology plays a vital role in Ukraine's defense efforts.
What impact do drone operations have on the brigade's strategy?
Drones bolster the brigade's strategy by providing real-time intelligence, allowing precise strikes, and intercepting enemy reconnaissance. This capability keeps the brigade adaptive and effective, significantly enhancing its operational efficiency and battlefield resilience.
News 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade
Occupier attempted to shoot down FPV drone piloted by ’Bulava’ pilots from 72nd SMB, but it detonated next to one of his accomplices. VIDEO Drone operators from the ‘Bulava’ battalion of the 72nd SMB eliminated a group of Russian infantrymen who had been surrounded by Ukrainian drones in a trench. 5 330 5 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces
Bulava Division drone operators of 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade shoot down Russian ZALA reconnaissance drone with STING interceptor. VIDEO Drone operators from the Bulava Division of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade destroyed a Russian ZALA 421-04M reconnaissance drone. 884 1 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian drones Drone industry Russian reconnaissance drones
Drone operators from 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade shot down 13 aerial targets using STING interceptors, some of them with aid of Hornet Vision CTRL. VIDEO Pilots from the 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade intercepted and destroyed 13 Russian aerial targets in less than four hours of combat operations. 1 920 2 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian drones Drone industry
BULAVA battalion drone operators destroy 36 Russian UAVs of various types using STING interceptors. VIDEO Ukrainian defenders from the "BULAVA" Unmanned Systems Battalion of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade struck a number of Russian drones during combat sorties. 1 743 1 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian drones Drone industry
Operators from 72nd Brigade shot down Russian "Kashchey" reconnaissance drone using STING interceptor. VIDEO Drone operators from the 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade intercepted a Russian ‘Kashchey’ reconnaissance UAV. 2 021 0 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian drones Drone industry Russian reconnaissance drones
18 Russian "Molniya"-type attack drones were destroyed by drone operators from 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade. VIDEO Operators from the unmanned aerial systems battalion of the 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians, part of the ‘BULAVA’ unit, continue to clear the Ukrainian skies of enemy aircraft. 923 1 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian drones
Drone operators from "Bulava" battalion blew up building with TM-62 mines in Belgorod region. VIDEO UAV operators from the ‘Bulava’ Unmanned Systems Battalion of the 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians destroyed a building in the Belgorod Region of the Russian Federation where the Russian invaders were storing ammunition. 6 354 3 Previously in trend: Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed ammunition depot
Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed Msta-S self-propelled gun and D-30 howitzers on Russian territory. VIDEO Soldiers from the 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade named after the Black Cossacks have destroyed four enemy artillery systems on Russian territory. 3 008 1 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian equipment
Loss of $2.7 million and scarce electronics: R.U.G. operators destroyed rare "Tornado-G" MLRS. VIDEO The Ukrainian Defence Forces continue to systematically destroy the enemy’s priority targets. On this occasion, the coordinated efforts of infantry and aerial reconnaissance resulted in the destruction of a modernised 9K51M ‘Tornado-G’ multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). This was reported by... 4 840 3 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian equipment
Bulava USF Battalion of 72nd Mechanised Brigade eliminated more than 3,500 occupiers in year. INFOGRAPHICS The Bulava unmanned systems battalion of the 72nd Mechanised Brigade named after the Black Cossacks is celebrating its third anniversary. 1 004 4 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian equipment Elimination of Russian occupying forces
Pilots from 72nd Brigade Bulava destroy Solntsepyok MLRS in Belgorod region. VIDEO Drone operators from the Bulava unmanned systems battalion of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians carried out a unique special operation to strike the occupiers’ equipment deep in the rear. 4 605 7 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces
Ukrainian kamikaze drone flies into dugout with Russian drone operators. VIDEO Drone operators from the Bulava unit of the 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians tracked down and destroyed the location of Russian drone operators, taking out at least two occupiers. 6 538 8 Previously in trend: Drones against occupiers
Akhmat armored vehicle hits mines, then takes follow-up hit from FPV drone. VIDEO A Russian Akhmat armored vehicle with personnel on board detonates on mines and, seconds later, takes an additional hit from an FPV drone. 8 155 10 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian equipment
In Kharkiv region, enemy will soon change its tactics and become more active, but Defense Forces are ready for it In the Kharkiv region, there are certain prerequisites for the enemy to become more active, but the Defense Forces are prepared for this. After all, there is a stable front line in the area that is well fortified in terms of engineering, explosives, mines and non-explosives. 992 1 Previously in trend: Fighting in Kharkiv direction
72nd SMB soldier went to war after Russian bomb killed his family in Mariupol: "My nephews were 14, 12 and 6 years old". VIDEO Valentyn Dolhosheienko, now a serviceman of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade (SMB) "Black Zaporizhians," was in Kyiv at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, having come from Mariupol for work. His family — his sister and her three children — remained at home. During the siege of the... 3 771 4 Previously in trend: Situation at front
Kamikaze drone operated by fighters of 72nd SMB eliminated occupier who was standing motionless. VIDEO In one of the frontline areas, drone operators of the BULAVA unmanned systems battalion of the 72nd separate mechanised brigade named after the Black Zaporizhzhia soldiers recorded an unusual scene: after the drone appeared, the occupier tried to escape by pretending to be a dummy or a scarecrow. 5 338 14 Previously in trend: Situation at front
Vuhledar: causes and consequences of loss. Documentary film by Iryna Storozhenko. VIDEO On 2 October 2024, the Khortytsia Operational and Strategic Group announced the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Vuhledar, a city that had remained one of the symbols of steadfastness in southwestern Donbas for more than two years. It was here, at a dominant height, that the 72nd Separate... 5 402 8 Previously in trend: Situation at front
Mother of 72nd SMB soldier Oleksandr Kandaurov received Order of Golden Star and title of Hero of Ukraine, which were posthumously awarded to her son. PHOTO President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has presented the Order of the Gold Star and the Hero of Ukraine title, awarded posthumously, to the mother of fallen 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade (SMB) soldier Oleksandr Kandaurov — Maryna Oleksandrivna. 4 812 9 Previously in trend: Awarding of Hero of Ukraine posthumously to soldier Oleksandr Kandaurov
72nd SMB received 900 drones modified for brigade’s needs from Kyiv community – Klytschko Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klytschko has delivered 900 FPV drones, modified to meet the specific needs of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, to Ukrainian troops. In total, the capital's community has provided the brigade with 2,200 UAVs since the beginning of the year. 700 3 Previously in trend: Drones for the Defence Forces from the Kyiv community
Failed assault on 72nd SMB position by Russian troops: enemy lost 2 tanks, 4 APCs and about 20 infantrymen. VIDEO The soldiers of the 72nd separate mechanised brigade repelled the assault of the Russian occupiers. 4 662 2 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian equipment Elimination of Russian occupying forces
Failed enemy assault on positions of 72nd Brigade: 5 tanks and 53 Russian troops destroyed. VIDEO On 6 April, the Russian occupiers tried to storm the positions of the 72nd Mechanised Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians, but received a good thrashing from Ukrainian soldiers. 5 188 8 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian equipment Elimination of Russian occupying forces
Soldiers of 72nd SMB destroyed 4 APCs and eliminated enemy personnel in Pokrovsk sector. VIDEO Soldiers of the "Bulava" unmanned aerial vehicle battalion of the 72nd separate mechanised brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians destroyed 4 armoured personnel carriers and eliminated a significant number of enemy personnel in the Pokrovsk sector. 2 583 2 Previously in trend: Situation at front
Ukrainian Armed Forces eliminate 26 occupiers and destroy 5 enemy vehicles in Pokrovsk sector. VIDEO Ukrainian soldiers continue to destroy the occupiers in the Donetsk region. In the Pokrovsk direction, the enemy launched a massive attack, throwing in significant infantry forces. However, this plan failed - the Defence Forces stopped the attack, inflicting serious losses on Russian troops. 6 422 3 Previously in trend: Situation at front
Kyiv community hands over 800 more FPV drones to 72nd Brigade of Armed Forces – Klytschko Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klytschko has handed over a new batch of drones from Kyiv residents to the 72nd Brigade on behalf of the Black Zaporozhians. In total, this year the capital has already allocated 15 million hryvnias for the needs of the 72nd Brigade. 1 102 7 Previously in trend: Drones for the Defence Forces from the Kyiv community
Zelenskyy is asked to award title of Hero of Ukraine (posthumously) to soldier of 72nd SMB Oleksandr Kandaurov President Zelenskyy is being asked to award the title of Hero of Ukraine (posthumously) to Oleksandr Kandaurov, a soldier of the 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade. 2 897 3 Previously in trend: Awarding of Hero of Ukraine posthumously to soldier Oleksandr Kandaurov
Oleh Sarelo, film editor of "Real Story" project, died at front. PHOTO Oleh Sarelo, a defender of Ukraine and film editor of the "Real Story" project, died at the front. 3 920 6
Fighters of 72nd SMB destroyed cellar where Russian invaders were hiding. VIDEO A drone operator of the 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians attacked a cellar where Russian invaders were hiding. 7 636 4 Previously in trend: War
Brigadier Okhrimenko of 72nd SMB on withdrawal from Vuhledar: City was in tactical encirclement. Enemy forces outnumbered us nine to one By the end of September, the situation in southern Donbas had changed so much that holding Vuhledar was no longer important. The ratio of equipment and personnel was almost 1:9 in favor of the enemy. 4 929 32
Colonel Oleksandr Okhrimenko is appointed as new commander of 72nd SMB that defended Vuhledar Colonel Oleksandr Okhrimenko has been appointed the new commander of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade. 30 534 30
After Bezuhla’s post, enemy send three times more forces to Vuhledar - OSINT analyst The decisive factor in the loss of Vuhledar was the media activity of Ukrainian People's Deputy Mariana Bezuhla. A few hours after her post about the rotation of the 72nd Brigade, the enemy sent three times the number of troops to the weakened positions. 27 724 144 Previously in trend: War
72nd SMB on withdrawal from Vuhledar: It would be critically difficult to hold city further. VIDEO The withdrawal from Vuhledar in the Donetsk region made it possible to minimize the losses of the Defense Forces. 11 286 38 Previously in trend: War
Ukrainian fighters win duel on IFV-2 and capture enemy armored vehicle. VIDEO Ukrainian soldiers won a duel between two IFVs-2 on the battlefield and captured an enemy armoured vehicle. 11 493 4 Previously in trend: War
72nd Brigade of AFU denies complete capture of Vuhledar by occupiers - media Russian troops did not fully capture the city of Vuhledar in Donetsk region. 12 997 76 Previously in trend: War
Soldiers of 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade destroy Russian ground drone. VIDEO The soldiers of the 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade named after the Black Cossacks destroyed a Russian ground drone with a kamikaze attack. 7 199 13 Previously in trend: War
After his release, commander of 72nd SMB Vinnik thanked soldiers for their service: Do not give up and step towards victory The commander of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians, which is currently defending Vuhledar in Donetsk region, Colonel Ivan Vinnik, after being transferred to a higher position, thanked the military for their service. 17 156 26 Previously in trend: War
72nd SMB remains in Vuhledar, has not left city - statement of brigade. VIDEO The soldiers of the 72nd separate mechanised brigade said they did not leave Vuhledar in Donetsk region. 6 205 12 Previously in trend: War
72nd Mechanised Brigade may be surrounded near Vuhledar - Forbes The Russian occupation forces may cut off the 72nd separate mechanised brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which has been defending Vuhledar in Donetsk region for 20 months. 11 544 35
Vinnik, commander of 72nd SMB, was transferred to higher position. Bezuhla says that Syrskyi removed him to reduce combat effectiveness of unit defending Vuhledar Ivan Vinnik, the commander of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians, which is currently defending Vuhledar in the Donetsk region, has been promoted to a higher position. 10 797 50 Previously in trend: War
Soldiers of 72nd SMB show results of their work in August in Vuhledar direction. VIDEO Results of the work of the soldiers of the 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Black Zaporizhzhia Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Vuhledar direction. 3 701 1 Previously in trend: War
Syrskyi withdraws 72nd brigade from Vuhledar, it will be disaster - "servant of people" Bezuhla A member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, "Servant of the People" Mariana Bezuhla, said that the head of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, is withdrawing the experienced 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade from Vuhledar. 29 820 167 Previously in trend: War
Soldiers of 72nd SMB destroyed eight enemy armoured vehicles and repelled attack by occupiers near Novomykhailivka. VIDEO Soldiers of the "Bulava" unmanned aerial vehicle battalion of the 72nd Brigade named after the Black Cossacks repelled an attack by the occupiers near Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast. 10 584 6 Previously in trend: War
Ukrainian soldiers finish off occupiers with small arms after unsuccessful assault. VIDEO A video of an unsuccessful attempt by the occupiers to seize the position of the soldiers of the 72nd SMB named after the Black Zaporozhians has been published online. 28 557 33 Previously in trend: War
Graveyard of destroyed Russian equipment in area of responsibility of 72nd SMB. VIDEO A video showing the destruction of enemy equipment in the area of responsibility of the 72nd SMB named after the Black Zaporozhians has been posted online. 13 044 12 Previously in trend: War
Surviving occupiers crawl away from battered armored vehicle after attack by Ukrainian soldiers. VIDEO Soldiers of the 72nd Brigade named after the Black Cossacks destroyed an enemy infantry fighting vehicle, the crew was trying to overcome a dangerous area at speed. 12 002 13 Previously in trend: War
Fighters of 72nd SMB repelled enemy assault and destroyed tank and MTLB of occupiers in Donetsk region. VIDEO The crews of FPV drones of the Bulava unmanned systems battalion of the 72nd separate mechanised brigade named after the Black Zaporizhzhia repelled another enemy attack and destroyed the occupiers' equipment in Novomykhailivka, Donetsk region. 5 016 3 Previously in trend: War
Occupier unsuccessfully tried to fight off kamikaze drone of 72nd SMB with stones. VIDEO The Russian occupier tried to fight off the kamikaze drone with stones, but was eliminated by the operators of the 72nd Separate Mechanised Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians. 5 902 5 Previously in trend: War
Russian invader, armed only with shovel, runs away from kamikaze drone in vain. VIDEO The aerial bombers of the 72nd separate mechanised brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians eliminated the Russian invader. 8 484 16 Previously in trend: War
Defense forces eliminated three occupiers who had failed to disguise themselves in trench with accurate shot. VIDEO The aerial bombers of the 72nd separate mechanised brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians eliminated three occupants who were unsuccessfully trying to disguise themselves in a trench with one accurate drop. 11 973 12 Previously in trend: War
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