Ukrainian defenders destroy Russian mechanized column near Sloviansk before it reaches first defense line

In the Sloviansk sector, Ukrainian defense forces successfully repelled a large-scale Russian mechanized attack using unmanned aerial vehicles. On June 16, the 81st Brigade's unmanned systems battalion "Apachi" released detailed information and a video of the engagement.

The Russian assault involved 28 motorcycles, one tank, three infantry fighting vehicles, five cars, and 50 infantrymen. However, Ukrainian drone operators acted so effectively that the enemy could not even get close to the first defense line.

The attack was conducted simultaneously from two directions – one group advanced from Platonovka, the other from the direction of Siversk Kriva Luka. Both columns were destroyed by drone strikes before they could reach Ukrainian positions.

"On the Sloviansk front, the occupiers decided to celebrate Russia Day with another mechanized assault. But their 'motorized run' ended before they could even approach our positions," the battalion reported. Military officials emphasized that Ukrainian defenders counter mass forces with precision, coordination, and effective drone operations.