110th Brigade on Velyka Novosilka: Plenty of firepower, but no troops – video

Screenshot: Video by 110th Separate Mechanised Brigade

Ukraine’s 110th Separate Mechanised Brigade, commenting on the situation near Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk Oblast, have emphasised that despite having sufficient artillery and drones, the units are facing a critical shortage of personnel in the infantry divisions.

Source: 110th Separate Mechanised Brigade

Quote: “Compared to Avdiivka, the reasons for losing territory are different. In Avdiivka, there was a shortage of artillery rounds, and FPV drones were just starting to develop, but infantry was still present. Back then, the absence of artillery was made up for by the troops. Now, however, there is enough artillery and drones, but there are not enough soldiers to fight. There is a complete shortage of personnel in the infantry units.”

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Details: The soldiers said that a typical Russian assault operation involves several groups of 4–6 individuals attacking Ukrainian positions from different directions. The most intense activity occurs at dawn, when reduced visibility due to fog or rain makes aerial reconnaissance more challenging. The Russians frequently move through wooded areas, using the vegetation to shield themselves from FPV drones.

Quote: “Hitting a moving target with artillery is extremely difficult, and in such cases, cluster munitions are somewhat effective. Targeting FPV drones in a grove is challenging due to the radio horizon and the branches that obstruct accurate hits. Moreover, enemy groups now often include soldiers with automatic shotguns, and they are able to shoot down our drones.”

Read more: The Ukrainian army is engaging in fierce battles and retreating on key front lines. An explanation with maps

Details: The soldiers explain that when the Russians approach populated areas, they take cover in buildings or, more often, in basements. Aerial reconnaissance identifies their locations, and artillery adjusts its fire, but due to several challenges – such as human factors, worn-out guns, and a variety of munitions – hitting precise coordinates is difficult.

Quote: “As a result, the shells land roughly in the target area. We fire about ten rounds for adjustments. FPV drones are accurate, but their small payloads can’t destroy a basement or a building. When the enemy realises we’ve adjusted our fire, they move about a hundred meters to a new building, and the cycle starts over. That’s how they advance. Infantry could stop them, but…