General Nayev: In defense of the North – the year 2023

During 2023, the forces of the military groups of the Northern Operational Zone continued to conduct a stabilization operation in certain areas, thereby ensuring stability and control of the situation.

We systematically analyze the situation and take measures to respond to current and projected challenges. In cooperation with the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), cover of troops and critical infrastructure facilities against possible enemy air and missile attacks is ensured. We are also modernizing the troops, rearming them with more modern foreign models, in particular in the air defense sector. In the border areas, long-term fortifications are being improved, and the system of mine-explosive and other barriers in the tactical-operational depth is being expanded.

At the same time, Russia continues open armed aggression against Ukraine in the territories of Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod Oblasts. Enemy military units carry out reconnaissance, bombard border areas, use aviation and kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles, and launch missile strikes with ballistic and guided missiles. In addition to military facilities, Russia is trying to destroy energy, transport, and industrial infrastructure, and it is cynically attacking residential neighborhoods, medical and educational institutions, shopping centers, and warehouses stocked with humanitarian goods.

To fulfill these tasks, the aggressor country deployed a group of troops with a total number of about 19,000 people armed with tanks, armored combat vehicles, artillery and missile equipment, air defense equipment, and operational-tactical missile systems.

Despite the intensive movement of enemy units and units across the territory of Belarus and the western regions of the Russian Federation in the first half of the year, constant monitoring of the enemy’s activity shows that, at this moment, there are no signs of the formation of strike groups.

Lieutenant General Serhii NAYEV

Commander of the AFU Combined Forces