Ukrainian Air Assault Brigade Commanders on Countering Russia’s Elite 'Rubicon' Unit

Facing the Threat from 'Rubicon'

According to Главком: In a recent interview, commanders of Ukraine’s 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade of the Air Assault Forces discussed the challenges posed by the Russian 'Rubicon' unit. This formation, a high priority for the Russian Ministry of Defense, is well-equipped with drones and ammunition and specifically targets Ukrainian drone crews. Colonel Dmytro Kapitula and Lieutenant Colonel Yevhenii Lekh detailed their countermeasures and the unique training their paratroopers undergo. Understanding the capabilities of Russian units like Rubicon is crucial for assessing battlefield dynamics in the ongoing war.

Assessing the 'Rubicon' Unit

Rubicon is considered one of the most notorious units within the Russian military. According to Maria Berlinska, founder of the Victory Drones project,

'Rubicon has destroyed thousands of Ukrainian vehicles, drones, and has caused numerous Ukrainian casualties, both wounded and killed.'

Intelligence reports indicate that several regiments of Russia’s 90th Tank Division and the 137th Motorized Rifle Brigade are advancing on the brigade’s positions. Colonel Kapitula noted,

'We are constantly under attack from several well-trained and well-equipped enemy units.'

He emphasized that Rubicon operates independently, reporting directly to the Russian Ministry of Defense rather than being subordinate to local brigade commanders.

Lieutenant Colonel Yevhenii Lekh described Rubicon as 'a very dangerous enemy unit,' adding that 'they are not even targeting our weapons, but our crews.' According to him, 'This unit was created by the Russian Ministry of Defense and holds a special status within the entire occupier army.' Rubicon reportedly receives an unlimited supply of drones and ammunition and can conduct operations deep behind the front lines, striking targets tens of kilometers away.

When asked about physical training, the brigade commanders outlined the methods used to prepare their paratroopers. Cadets at the Air Assault Forces faculty run a 10 km cross-country race weekly in full gear, in addition to a daily 3.5 km morning run. Colonel Kapitula stated,

'It is our duty to defend our country.'

He added, 'In practice, no one has failed. If a cadet cannot keep up, they are carried.'

The interview also revisited a battle near Izium in 2022, where Colonel Kapitula was wounded. The fight occurred near the village of Kamyanka, where an enemy column of approximately 40 vehicles, including tanks and BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, was engaged. The Ukrainian unit had eight tanks and several Stugna-P anti-tank missile teams. Using eight missiles, the Ukrainian anti-tank crews destroyed four tanks, with overall Ukrainian forces hitting more than ten enemy vehicles. Colonel Kapitula was injured by shrapnel to his back, arm, and leg, requiring about two months of rehabilitation.

Currently, the brigade’s main challenge remains replenishing personnel. Recently, two women joined the brigade, aged 20 and 28. The commanders remain confident that despite the challenges, their unit will continue to fulfill its duties and defend the country.

As the conflict continues, the role of units like the 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade remains vital in countering threats from well-equipped Russian forces, particularly the Rubicon unit. The commanders’ and soldiers’ demonstrated commitment to their mission underscores the resilience of Ukrainian troops, who persist despite hardships. With the Russian military employing advanced technologies, the adaptation and training of Ukrainian soldiers to meet modern challenges will be key to shaping the conflict’s trajectory and both sides’ strategies.

As the situation on the frontlines intensifies, understanding the strategies employed by Ukrainian forces is essential. Recent developments on the Kupiansk front highlight how Ukrainian troops are actively countering the elite Russian 'Rubicon' drone unit. For an in-depth look at their tactics and the ongoing challenges they face, read more about the Ukrainian response to the Rubicon unit.