The failure of the Russian command in the Kursk region and the very dubious successes in the Donbas are causing Russians themselves to lose faith in the idea that the “military operation is going according to plan.” Those who are beginning to understand, see the difference between the statements on Kremlin television and the reality around them. And they start to realize that in this situation it is important to save themselves rather than risk their lives for Putin’s dacha and Shoigu’s billions.
That is why more and more Russians, both civilians and military, are cooperating with the Ukrainian Defence Forces. They realize that this is how they can restore justice or even save themselves. Reports about Kadyrov’s men in the Kursk region have become widespread because this is the only way ordinary Kursk residents can protect themselves from these “protectors.” Similarly, behind almost every effective strike deep into the temporarily occupied territories, some people provide information about air defence positions, ammunition depots, or the movement of Russian units.
There are also more interesting cases. For example, on 31 August 2024, it was reported that in the Kursk direction, the Armed Forces of Ukraine shot down a very interesting target – a rare Orion, a reconnaissance and strike UAV, a kind of Russian Bayraktar but cheap copy. According to open sources, up to 30 of these drones were produced, and at least 6 were shot down (excluding the Kursk one), the destruction was confirmed visually. Their cost is not disclosed, but the total investment in this project has already amounted to about $30 million.
The Orions are manufactured by the Russian joint-stock company Kronstadt, a self-described “leader of the national unmanned aerial vehicle industry” in Russia. The company is located in St. Petersburg, has offices in Moscow, and produces several other drones and systems for them, apart from the Orion.
We cannot disclose all the details, but some of the information surrounding this trophy of our Air Force can already be made public. The fact is that the Russians themselves contributed to the destruction of this Orion. More precisely, an informant within the group, who maintains and pilots these drones is connected to Kronstadt. Some time ago, this person communicated with representatives of certain units of the Ukrainian Defence Forces and offered to provide data on UAVs, control systems, and personnel training. Most importantly, how the invaders use Orions against our troops. Thus, having full information, the Air Force of Ukraine was able to ambush this rare and expensive Russian “bird”.
Future pilots are trained at the Gromov Flight Research Institute’s test pilot school. Kronstadt JSC coordinates the training.
As has happened many times before, for some reason all the “highly spiritual” defenders of the “Russian world” with traditional values have problems with the law and these very values.
There are also a lot of training materials for future UAV pilots, from textbooks to exam papers.
The National Resistance Centre calls for reporting collaborators so that no one escapes punishment for crimes against humanity. Anyone can stop the policy of the Russian invaders and their collaborators by publicizing their crimes and demanding their international prosecution. You can also participate in rallies in support of Ukraine or donate to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Центр національного спротиву
