02.06.2025
Following the results of the VI charity football tournament Energy Cup Spring 2025, which starts on June 7, equipment will be purchased for the K-2 unit — the 20th separate K-2 Unmanned Systems Regiment commanded by Hero of Ukraine Lieutenant Colonel Kyrylo Veres.
We spoke with the head of the legendary unit about the main tasks and urgent needs of the regiment, the morale of the fighters, the role of technology and modern equipment in contemporary combat operations, and the importance of unity between the front and the rear.
— Mr. Commander, first of all, on behalf of the Energy Club, allow us to express our sincere gratitude for defending the country and for taking the time for this interview. At the Energy Cup Spring 2025 tournament, we are once again raising funds to help K-2. How important is systematic support for the regiment, especially in conditions of prolonged hostilities?
— I understood a long time ago that the war would not end in the short term, so our unit has always established systematic cooperation with various concerned people who wanted to support us. Frankly speaking, we only did one fundraiser. That was last year, when our battalion suffered significant material losses that needed to be quickly replenished, as the enemy did not stop their attempts to break through our defenses. The rest of the time we fought effectively precisely because we established this systematic support.
— What equipment does K-2 primarily need?
— As of today, it’s equipment for customizing FPV drones, because we receive drones from the state, but an FPV drone by itself won’t make a difference. Everything needs to work as a complex. We are also actively engaging people in cooperation to print various parts on 3D printers, as we are scaling up.
— How will this help your unit in performing combat missions and increasing efficiency?
— I don’t think I’ll reveal a secret by saying that this increases the effectiveness of application many times over; war is constant development.
— Can you give examples of the practical application of such equipment?
— Practical application actually looks simpler than it seems. In short, a drone out of the box, provided by the state in large quantities, cannot work immediately. Our FPV department already modifies some parts on site, and this is one of them. That’s what turns a simple FPV drone into a weapon capable of destroying the enemy.
— Please tell us briefly about your unit.
— Our regiment is part of a large and ambitious project called “Drone Line.” We are one of the five leading unmanned systems units within the Ground Forces and, in fact, the only ones who originated from infantry, as we were previously a mechanized battalion. We have scaled up to an unmanned systems regiment. One could say this is a different weight category for us.
— What are the main tasks of the regiment and its specialization at the front line?
— To detect and strike the enemy — that is our task. Regarding specialization, the regiment has various departments. There are those who fly small Mavic-type quadcopters, conducting reconnaissance of the front edge; there are reconnaissance and attack wings. Let’s not forget about multi-rotor bombers either — that is, our large attack drones. Currently, the department of Ground Robotic Systems (GRS) is actively scaling up and developing within our unit.
— What are the main challenges your fighters face daily, and how does the unit overcome them?
— My fighters are people who are constantly in the process of learning. Over 90% of our people are new recruits. Some of them had combat experience, some did not. Some flew drones before, some did not. Constant development in combat conditions is what takes a toll on a person’s resources, but it yields results. Also, one of the challenges that always faces any fighters working at the front line is logistics. I mentioned GRS earlier. This is our answer to this challenge.
— What is the morale of the fighters?
— It varies. We are all living people, we all have our difficulties. Overall, as I see it, the “average temperature” among the fighters is good. They are motivated to work and destroy the enemy.
— What helps them hold on and fight in such difficult conditions?
— First and foremost, it’s their team and their direct commanders, who spend most of their time with them.
— What is the role of technology and modern equipment in contemporary combat operations, and how critical is the need for them for effective task execution?
— I once said that war is fashion. If you fall out of trends, you start to lose. Therefore, of course, modern equipment and technologies solve a lot. But, believe me, it doesn’t solve as much as a human solves on the battlefield. A drone without a trained operator will not fly, no matter how modern it is.
— The Energy Club unites representatives of Ukraine’s energy sector. Do you, as defenders, feel this support from Ukrainian businesses and civil society?
— We definitely do. I want to thank everyone who supports the military.
— How important is the unity of the rear and the front for you?
— Without a strong rear actively helping the front, the front itself may not stand.
— Besides material aid, are there other valuable forms of support for the fighters?
— We have social media and an almost million-subscriber YouTube channel. I know that some of our guys we show there sometimes check the comments. So, I think words of support energize and motivate them. It is very morally supportive when children send something. Drawings, for example.
— Are there other urgent needs of the unit that could be covered by charitable initiatives?
— We are always open to cooperation in various projects.
— What would you like to convey or wish to Ukrainians working in the rear, as well as to international partners who support Ukraine?
— I once wished all Ukrainians to take off their rose-tinted glasses. I am not an expert in international politics; my business is war. But perhaps some partners could also benefit from taking them off. This would significantly bring closer the desired outcome for our country. I express immense gratitude to all caring people who join charitable initiatives and wish strength and endurance to the organizers of the Energy Cup Spring 2025 tournament and the participating teams. Support the K-2 regiment. Believe in us, join us. Together to victory! Glory to Ukraine!
Відбулося жеребкування VI Благодійного футбольного турніру Energy Cup – Spring 2025!
