Data Updates on Drone Strikes Against Civilians, Recent Events, The Case for Terrorism, and Getting to Know the “Artist(s)”
Photos: The Light at the End of the Tunnel; The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Aside from the eviscerated Antonovskyi Bridge, the aerial shots give the impression that the city of Kherson is at peace. These serene sunrises captured by a Russian drone pilot running a Telegram channel, named “The Light at the End of the Tunnel,” mark what was, by some measure, a relative reprieve in the near-daily maiming and killing of civilians in the city of Kherson and its eastern suburbs, which plagued the months of July & August. And yet, despite this natural beauty of Ukraine, it is knowing what occurred during these days which drives a chill down the spine and gives these bloodstained sunrises a different meaning.
This report on the drone situation in Kherson will provide crucial updates on data, contextualize that data & recent events within larger scale operations taking place across Ukraine, and delve into the history of the units & individuals who perpetrate these drone attacks against civilians.
Data Updates: A Brief Respite Before Hell Unleashed
Figure 1
Source: map.ukrdailyupdate.com
71 casualties were registered between September 1st and September 20th, bringing the total of civilian drone casualties since June 21st, 2024 to 266 individuals, as of writing on September 22nd.
Since tracking began in late June, victims skewed toward the elderly demographic, as most victims were over 50 years old, but in August a trend more towards middle-aged adults occurred. Analysis showed changes continued to occur in the ages of victims – particularly an increase in victims in their forties and fifties. Of the 71 victims from drone attacks occurring between September 1st – September 20th, 37 of them fell into the 41-60 year old demographic. While 18 victims older than 60 were added, another 13 victims under 40 were added. 3 victims were not reported with ages. Fortunately, most victims continue to survive these attacks, with their survival rate hovering around 94%.
Figure 2
Source: map.ukrdailyupdate.com
The most important development was in the first week of September. The sudden drop in casualties might be attributed to one, or any combination of the following factors – target selection, movements on the frontline & newly employed Ukrainian electronic warfare. Despite the near record-low from August 30th-September 5th, a massive rebound took place the very next week, followed by a gradual decrease in the next week after that.
Targeting the Dead
The Antonivka Cemetery & Funeral Parlor where many residents or military officials go to pick up headstones and bury the deceased. It came under drone assault in the first week of September.
Sources: From Mariupol to the Carpathians; From Mariupol to the Carpathians, From Mariupol to the Carpathians, Google Earth
Late August saw the Russian drone pilots targeting gas stations and busses, but the first week of September saw something different. On both September 2nd and September 5th, drone pilots attacked the funeral parlor three separate times; once on the 2nd and twice on the 5th. Twice, the drone pilots were able to cause damage to vehicles parked outside the building (one vehicle was damaged each day). In the remaining video from the 5th, the building itself is attacked in a section where, in a video released on the 2nd, the driver of the vehicle was spotted sheltering. There was no evidence that the attack injured the man or any civilian. Why target such an installation?
Video: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
Video: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
Video: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
A source on the ground in Kherson, going by the name “Signal,” said that the Russians target this area because of the need for drivers to slow down as they turn towards central Kherson at the intersection, and because terrorizing grieving families is effective in making civilians reconsider their residence in the city and suburbs. It also comes with additional possibility of being able to target military personnel involved with soldiers’ funeral services or their families.
These attacks on the funeral home, although terrorist in nature, pale in comparison to the tragic loss of a 60 year-old oncologist due to a drone attack on himself & his 56 year-old wife as they were driving not two blocks away from this main intersection. In the video dating back to September 2nd, the funeral parlor is clearly visible as the couple’s car makes the lefthand turn onto the arterial roadway toward Kindiyka, Kherson, and the Oncological Hospital, where the now-deceased man worked.
Video: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
Evident, as always in these drone-drop videos, is the soundtracking and memefication of the murder of a civilian. Of note is the flash to black & white, as the casualty was seen to be deceased. This is reminiscent of when a player in Grand Theft Auto is “wasted” and dies in the game before respawning. Although, this is not a game, and that doctor stayed in the city to provide critical oncological medical care for patients within the city.
When considering this data, it is important to remember, that even though this week was a relatively uneventful one compared to the two weeks preceding and succeeding it, every civilian casualty presents a valuable life lost or forever changed.
Kursk is the New Sinai
Photo: Moses: Soulless Aviation
One other factor contributing to the dip in drone casualties could be from the relocation of part or all of the drone unit Soulless Aviation, known for their commander now-absent & injured, Moses. On the morning of September 8th, this photographic evidence of the unit’s presence in Kursk Oblast was confirmed.
The movement of the Soulless Aviation unit from Kherson to Kursk was certainly to bolster the defense efforts of the Russian Army to stem the then-advancing Ukrainian army around Sudzha, Kursk Oblast. Andrew Perpetua, an analyst focused on drone warfare, made note of the competence and skill of the unit in a recent interview with ATP Geopolitics (timestamp for Andrew’s full explanation: 01:11:00-01:15:00).
Full Interview Below:
Moses himself, however, is not currently with his unit as he was severely wounded in a Ukrainian strike against his position, leaving his team in Kursk without a leader for the foreseeable future. Despite the Soulless Aviation unit hacking its way through the Russian Kursk Counteroffensive, the number of drone attacks and civilian casualties did not significantly decrease in such a manner that would correspond with the absence of the unit.
I remain skeptical that the relocation of Moses’ Soulless Aviation will have a truly significant impact on improving the situation for the Ukrainian civilians living within Kherson and its suburbs.
Turning the “Red Zone” – Blue
Photos: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
Drone strikes immediately shot back to near record-levels with 34 attacks in the second week of September, despite any forces that had been stripped from the left bank and force-marched toward the Kursk front for what was building up to be the now-floundering Russian Kursk Counteroffensive.
On September 17th, Kherson Oblast Governor Oleksandr Prokudin held a meeting related to the drone warfare in Kherson. Long have they been searching for a solution to the drone problem, and this marks what seems to be a significant development.
“Today, drone detection equipment was handed over to combat units operating in the Kherson region. Several such systems were received by the 124th Marine Territorial Defense Brigade. Therefore, we expect that they will increase the effectiveness of units that oppose enemy air defense systems.”
– Oleksandr Prokudin
Photo: Прокудін Олександр – Офіційна сторінка
My source on the ground in Kherson, “Signal,” described the drone air defense situation as being dire: it’s essentially “guys with automatic shotguns and drone detectors.” There is a “stunning lack of EW” to even begin to effectively combat the drone problem, hence their prevalence.
On September 21st, Russian milblogger, “From Mariupol to the Carpathians,” conveyed the growing frustrations of the Russian drone pilots due to the newly employed electronic warfare capabilities.
“Kherson. VKZ. (Eastern red zone)
– From Mariupol to the Carpathians
The enemy has pulled up the EW again. Operators, be extremely attentive, we are losing birds.”
Video: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
Later that same day, Osvedomitell Alex offered an expletive-ridden condemnation of Ukrainian EW after posting a video of a drone attack with barely discernable features and a laughable video quality. This new EW is bringing about life-saving effects on the battlefield, as the drone unit lost 8 UAVs and casualties dropped from 34 to 27 in the weeks of September 6th-12th & September 13th-19th. Tochnyi-aligned analyst who analyzes drone footage, Andrew Perpetua, stated his belief in an interview with ATP Geopolitics that electronic warfare countermeasures are the way forward (timestamp for Andrew’s full explanation: 01:15:35 – 01:18:05).
As mentioned by Andrew Perpetua, the situation could be further improved with a relatively tiny amount of financial aid (around $1,000,000 USD) due to the civilian nature of the drones being employed in this section of the front. Most of the drones working with these units are specifically DJI Mavic-3’s. Therefore, the need in EW can be solved easily, or bolstered even easier, by a single donor country.
“Statistics. One calculation for the current week, 8 units of UAVs did not return. Like nuts, bitch. If someone thinks that there are suckers on the other side and they are just sitting it out, then you are deeply mistaken. If we quit work now at this stage, then we will be able to catch up with today’s figures very, very soon and with great losses and expenses. We are working. We are fucking a khokhol.”
– From Mariupol to the Carpathians
The intensifying palpable racist rage coming from Russian milblogger, Osvedomitell Alex, may have something to do with the loss of valuable recent donations. Alex posted his drone pilot friends receiving a shipment of fresh DJI Mavic-3 drones from the Governor of the Russian occupation regime in Kherson Oblast, Vladimir Saldo.
Photo: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
“Donated drones to military personnel fighting in the Kherson direction. The task of the authorities and those in the rear is to supply our soldiers with everything necessary for effective combat operations. In addition to government support, he transferred Mavic drones to the marine brigade. Marines courageously and professionally defend the left bank of the Kherson region from Kyiv militants. Every day they cause significant damage to the enemy. New drones will strengthen the brigade’s UAV units and save the precious lives of our guys.”
– From Mariupol to the Carpathians
The occupation regime is just one of a few entities publicly connected to these drone groups and their crimes, but this is not new information, as it was first reported by Deutsche Welle in their August documentary. It is clear that the occupation regime has vested interest in the recapture of Kherson, and therefore, supports financially and materially these drone units of the 205th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade and the 8th Separate Guards Artillery Regiment.
Despite the recent successes with EW against these operators, numbers remain grim. Yes, there was a reduction from 34 to 27 week-to-week after the addition of EW capabilities last week to the 124th MTROBr, but 27 casualties far surpasses anything seen in July and the cost imposed on the civilian population remains significant with 2 killed and 25 wounded between September 13th-19th. And despite Moses & Soulless Aviation off wandering in Kursk, the situation is dire. Much remains to be done, and if crucial financial aid to purchase EW is not granted, more civilians will fall victim to this terrorism.
The Case for Terrorism
The question as to whether these constitute some kind of war crime or terrorism has been risen often. Using their own words and videos, it can be argued that the behavior of these Russian drone pilots at least constitutes stochastic terrorism, if not maniacal premeditated murder, as posited by Jonathan MS Pearce of ATP Geopolitics (timestamp for Jonathan’s remarks: 01:30:00).
Planning Desecration of Graves
With the targeting of the funeral parlor, the motive was clearly conveyed in a post shot by a Russian collaborator on the ground in Antonivka. The following video and caption were posted on September 5th, before the two drone-drop attacks on the funeral parlor building and a vehicle parked in front of the building.
Video: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
“…now you can’t just get there unless you’re in a procession. Well, we see the result of the work of the RF Armed Forces and it will be the same with everyone who came to our land. What to do with these “defenders” later? The answer is obvious.”
– From Mariupol to the Carpathians
If the “answer is obvious,” it seems to be that of desecration of Ukrainian military graves in some sort of imaginary Russian re-occupation of Kherson, whilst admitting to terrorizing the current visitors.
Using Civilian Infrastructure to Create Mass Casualty Events
Objects like the funeral home present an easy target, much like other common targets from August & September, such as buses, bus stops, and gas stations. The Russian drone pilots’ intentions are made clear in their use of these objects to attract targets.
Video: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
“…Regardless of whether the gas station is working now or just closed, it must be destroyed or receive critical damage.
– From Mariupol to the Carpathians
We receive objective information from our people in the city every day. Several hundred people work in the city for the sake of victory. The khokhols nervously smoke, and we know who, where and most importantly for what …..”
The video of the gas station was taken on September 13th by a Russian collaborator who helped with targeting to create a mass casualty event. In addition to being a critical infrastructure point, gas stations are vulnerable to drone attacks due to their construction. Most gas stations have a cover preventing most individuals underneath it from seeing what might be above them. Many civilians using gas stations are also looking downward at the nozzle, at the amount of gas dispensed, or at the price. With such a susceptible target, drone pilots can use one grenade to damage a refueling vehicle, wound the driver refueling it, wound passengers, and cause damage to critical infrastructure.
On September 14th, another case of mass casualty intent was clearly shown when a 47 year-old bus driver was wounded in an attack designed to cause far more casualties.
Video: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
“As we expected, the enemy began using minibuses to transport personnel and provisions to the PVD. This time the “messenger” was empty, but the next story will be sadder.
– From Mariupol to the Carpathians
Any transport in the zone is a target.”
The civilian buses of Kherson have been targeted throughout the summer, usually in their depot parking lot, and by Shahed drones. However, this nearly empty bus was targeted by an drone-dropped grenade. Alex used the phrase, “the next story will be sadder,” clearly stating that the goal was to inflict as much harm as possible. He claims that busses are often used to transport soldiers and supplies, but also acknowledges the emptiness of this specific bus. Nevertheless, the Russians knowingly engaged an empty civilian transport vehicle, driven by a civilian.
Wrong Place – Wrong Time
Osvedomitell Alex expressed further nihilistic disregard for civilians from the channel on September 12th, before embarking on this documented terror-spree.
“Naturally, we’ll drink you like men, honestly! The civilians on both sides are not guilty of anything, except that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.“
– From Mariupol to the Carpathians
How can it be “wrong place at the wrong time” when obvious stalking and tracking is taking place? How can it be “wrong place at the wrong time” when, admittedly, collaborators & informants provide “objective information” on targets?
It is the sorts of illogical conundrums that Osvedomitell Alex is constantly raged-bated into – and like a child prone to lying, he cannot keep his story straight.
Photo: Moses: Soulless Aviation
“The enemy has indeed stopped concentrating its forces on the coastline. There are observation posts, PPV forces and enemy UAV operators on the coastline. The enemy’s main and strike groups are concentrated in the area of Chornobayivka, Daryivka and Inhulets. Efforts are being made to destroy the enemy and reduce movement by 0.”
– Moses: Soulless Aviation
This post from another drone operator, Moses, who was formerly located operating in the Kherson area, outlines that the Russians are quite aware that the city is largely inhabited by civilians, and not military. And on September 3rd, Alex reposted it.
None of the 266 casualties from the last three months happened even within two kilometers of the red box. Only small teams working against the drones are located within the city limits – and this is acknowledged clearly by Moses. So with this in mind, any and all mentions of legitimate targets in the “Red Zone” must be looked at as potential crimes. The evidence is rather damning, given the contradictions in the acknowledgment of Ukrainian unit deployments and the existence of a kill-zone in precisely the area that is openly and clearly known to be civilian.
Using this logic of “wrong place, wrong time,” let’s examine the attack on an 82 year-old man on September 15th.
Video: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
In this video, an elderly man walking along the road near Oblenergo Customer Service Offices in Antonivka, is hit with a drone-dropped grenade. The man was targeted for being near what Osvedomitell Alex declared was underground EW. According to their own statements, Russians believe any movement at all, especially that near infrastructure constitutes combatant activity. The Ukrainian National Police clearly stated his civilian status.
Another disgusting aspect of this video is the soundtrack and the evidence it provides of their signature stochastic maiming of civilians.
The song is called, «Пидарасы» by Leningrad, meaning “Faggots” in Russian. The band is well-known for its controversial & offensive lyrics, and also for its vocal support for the war and condemnation of Western culture.
The lyrics featured in the video are strategically edited. The homophobia is implied by the sudden cut, whereby the listener, if familiar with the song, finishes the lyrics to the chorus of the song in their head and understands the homophobic implication.
Люди в чёрном городе, словно мухи, мрут
Source: «Пидарасы» by Leningrad (text in brackets not heard due to strategic edit)
А мне всё похуй
Я сделан из мяса
Оу, самое страшное, что может случиться
[Стану пидорасом, е!]
The English translation is as follows:
People in the black city die like flies
Source: «Пидарасы» by Leningrad (text in brackets not heard due to strategic edit)
But I don’t give a shit
I’m made of meat
Oh, the worst thing that can happen
[I’ll become a faggot, e!!]
Disturbing homophobia being flung towards their elderly comrade clearly upset some of the Soviet revisionists in Alex’s audience.
Osvedomitell Alex did not exactly respond well to the criticism either. A member from his Russia-based audience messaged him after witnessing the homophobia-laden attack against an 82 year-old elderly man, and said the following:
Photo: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
Osvedomitell Alex, evidently losing sleep over his crimes, responded with a new favorite term, which he has used in several recent posts mocking Ukrainian women. He reserves it for women that complain about his barbarity, or just to denigrate Ukrainian women living in Kherson.
“Sometimes it seems to me that all the evil spirits wake up at night and go to the kind and old, not young, in short, they go and spoil Uncle Sasha’s sleep. Yesterday, some elderly Irka-hole (https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20818) was there, today a storyteller from Kherson.”
– From Mariupol to the Carpathians
All Movements Are Targets
Another common method of masking their crimes relies upon the milblogger’s assertion that civilian drone detectors constitute EW, and therefore, all vehicles suspected of having any EW would be subject to attack.
The facts on the ground stand contrary to Osvedomitell Alex’s typically slur-laden claims. “Signal,” on the ground in Kherson, said himself, that the electronic warfare equipment for Ukrainian units in the city was not significant – mostly drone detectors and automatic shotguns. The more recent developments discussed earlier regarding the 124th MTROBr have only made slight improvements in the situation.
In reference to the previously discussed oncologist and his wife attacked on September 2nd, the milblogger used this exact type of excuse that “EW” was present in or on the vehicle as cover for the alleged crime.
“…One of the operators of the hunters’ group, while patrolling the zone, noticed a vehicle that was interfering and was clearly equipped with a mobile electronic warfare system. Such targets are of primary importance.
– From Mariupol to the Carpathians
We would also like to note the level of the operator working at the highest point on the move. Accuracy, and most importantly, quality and implementation at a high level. Every day the work of our hunters is becoming more and more effective, which means the task of liberating Kherson from the Nazi cock army is getting closer and closer.”
Photo: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
No electronic warfare devices were visible on the vehicle in the footage provided.
On September 2nd, almost three hours after the murder of the oncologist, he posted his famous “Red Zone” graphics and attempted to cover up the alleged crime further.
“Any movement of vehicles will be considered a legitimate target.”
– From Mariupol to the Carpathians
As early as July 25th, Russian forces targeted civilian transportation parked in depot overnight. This particular attack against the bus depot was carried out via what Ukrainian sources describe as a Shahed kamikaze drone, while Russian sources claimed it was specifically a Geran model kamikaze drone.
Photos: Kherson Police
This so-declared war against transportation was declared by Osvedomitell Alex as early as August 12th, but attacks have been occurring against civilian transportation as early as July 2024.
“Kherson. Transport
– From Mariupol to the Carpathians
Any movement in the red zone is a trigger for a strike. Any. Assume that your transport is a potential target.”
Prior to the statement from the 12th, on August 10th, the milblogger posted drone-drop attacks conducted on tarped & parked cars in storage. Evidently, movement matters not to these pilots. Despite their attempts to cover the tracks of their criminal acts, the lack of consistency with their claims on validity of targets and refusal to discern military from civilian has led to this manifestation of terror.
Videos: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
Genocidal Intent
Photo: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
Showcasing their ultimately genocidal intent in killing these Ukrainian civilians, Osvedomitell Alex shared this photo on September 19th of what is labelled as a shelter. “Укриття” means “shelter” in Ukrainian. Relying upon his usual racial slurs and stereotypes as a launching point, he dives into full-blown genocidal Imperialist rhetoric at the suggestion of “experiments” to be carried out upon the populace with drones & other weaponry.
“A khokhol wouldn’t be a khokhol if he didn’t cheat. And even on the bomb shelter there is an advertisement for an online casino.
– From Mariupol to the Carpathians
They are simply created for experiments.😂”
This mention of “experiments” calls to memory the sick ideology and rhetoric that lead to the crimes of Shiro Ishii & Unit 731 in the Imperial Japanese Army operating in China during the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II.
Also on September 19th, the milblogger shared a screenshot of another subscriber’s message in reference to a suggestion of beginning operations in Korabelnyi Raion, a large neighborhood and ship-building district to the west-southwest of Kherson city.
Photo: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
Apparent in the conversations on the channel, “From Mariupol to the Carpathians,” is the collective desire amongst the Russian audience to suppress Ukrainian language in Kherson. Osvedomitell Alex shared other content featuring linguistic and cultural genocidal rhetoric, while also acknowledging the presence of collaborators in Kherson that are complicit in it.
Video: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
“The city is gradually being cleared of horns and more and more often people are switching to their native language Russian. We receive a lot of objective information from you and thank you very much for that. It is one thing to watch from the air, but to get comprehensive information from the ground within 10 minutes is worth a lot.”
– From Mariupol to the Carpathians
Aside the from the genocidal intent, the fact that the milblogger claims the kill-chain is so efficient, with a time between call-to-strike of only 10 minutes, is concerning. First, it points to obvious issues with deployment of EW failing to slow down or disable incoming drones. Secondly, it points to the freedom with which these collaborators work. Thirdly, it suggests that the civilians wounded and killed by these strikes are specifically targeted by some of these collaborators hiding amongst Kherson’s populace, further disproving the drone pilots’ “wrong place, wrong time” defense.
Getting to Know the “Artist(s)”: ORBAT and Beyond
Data: Institute for the Study of War
Over the course of the lifespan of Osvedomitell Alex’s Telegram account, the two main sources of his drone footage have been drawn from these two units subordinate to the Southern Military District. One unit in question, the 205th Separate Motor Rifle Cossack Brigade, has already been identified by Deutsche Welle as taken part in drone strike on civilians in the Beryslavskyi Raion further up the Dnipro River from Kherson & the current concentration of attacks. The drone unit in particular is no longer functional. But to the south near Kherson city, the 8th Separate Guards Artillery Regiment and its subordinates have yet to be unveiled properly, until now.
A short history of each unit and their connection to Osvedomitell Alex may help to begin to unveil the perpetrators of these heinous acts.
205th Separate Cossack Motor Rifle Brigade: “The Free Artist”
Photos: DBPedia; SVObodnyi Khudozhnyk; From Mariupol to the Carpathians; SVObodnyi Khudozhnyk
In an obituary reposted on his own account dating back to April 24th, 2024, the identity of one of the pioneering terrorist drone pilots carrying out attacks in Kherson was unveiled as Dmitry Ragulin (call sign “Silver” AKA “SVObodnyi Khudozhnyk”). Additionally, on March 19th, Osvedomitell Alex posted the obituary, as the two were connected through Alex posting & reposting Ragulin’s footage for the last year. This initially vague statement from Alex came on March 16th, 2024, but was quoted later in his reposting of a small obituary. This and the fact that the account went irregularly dormant after March 12th, 2024 suggests Dmitry’s demise happened in mid-March.
“We have great grief. A friend has died.”
– From Mariupol to the Carpathians
Created on July 1st, 2023, SVObodnyi Khudozhnyk, is the account of Dmitry Ragulin. The name itself suggests stochastic terrorism backed by genocidal rhetoric, in that the name is a pun, featuring the letters “SVO” capitalized to reference Vladimir Putin’s so-called “Spetsialnaya Voennaya Operatsiya,” or “Special Military Operation.” These letters are also the first three letters of the Russian word, “свободный,” meaning “free.” The connection to the Russian propaganda narrative of “freeing oppressed Russians in Ukraine” is insinuated both in his name, but also in that of his friend, Osvedomitell Alex AKA “From Mariupol to the Carpathians.”
The full obituary reposted to Dmitry Ragulin’s account provides a deeper understanding of the perpetrator and his death.
“A soldier of the 205th brigade, Dmitry Ragulin (call sign “Silver”), who was Volodya’s deputy (“Tashkent”) and led this mobile group after Volodya’s death (https://t.me/guselandrei/3428), died while saving the wounded. Dima’s comrades in arms told about this.
– Guselnykov
The group was returning from a combat mission and came under heavy fire – one soldier was wounded.
«“He was heavy and shouted to Dima to leave him, but Dima drove Patrick (UAZ “Patriot”), gave him an injection and tried to drag him into the car,” said one of the members of the “Tashkent Group.” “There was another blow – one of the fragments hit Dima under the helmet. Two more fighters rushed towards Dima, but were thrown to the sides by the explosion.
As a result, all the fighters of the “Tashkent group” managed to get out of this meat grinder. Wounded but alive. Everyone except Dima – the fragment under the helmet turned out to be fatal.
The Tashkent group carried out complex and dangerous missions on the banks of the Dnieper – this included reconnaissance on the opposite bank to adjust artillery (in my video “UAVs and mortars” Dima takes off on a copter), this included fire suppression of the enemy with the help of mortars and the “Shaitan-pipe” »
Dima Ragulin (“Silver”) ended up in the 205th brigade back in 2018 – he came for a fixed-term assignment and stayed on a contract. I was at SVO from the very beginning. Recently he served as a brigade commander driver (he drove four commanders – each of them valued Dima), then he went to the Tashkent mobile group and became his deputy.
Today, April 24, marks 40 days since the death of Dmitry Ragulin. He replaced his commander Volodya Tashkent and left after him. Guys, you are forever in our hearts!”
Ragulin was known to use the watermark featuring the popular Russian children’s cartoon character, Cheburashka, dressed in a military uniform, in addition to using the watermark featuring the bear with the red “205” to signify his parent unit. This unit was primarily a drone reconnaissance group, Mobile Group “Tashkent,” leading fire from Russian mortars, or as the obituary mentioned, the “Shaitan-pipe.”
Video: SVObodnyi Khudozhnyk
In this video dating back to August 8th, 2023, the drone pilot misses the target with two dropped grenades. Rather than return across the river, the drone spots for an ATGM team to destroy two buildings, the first of which was not the intended target. The intended target in question is a church located along the coast of the Dnipro River in Zmiivka, Beryslavskyi Raion, 60km upriver from Kherson. What potential military significance it could have held can not be determined by the video evidence provided by Russian sources.
The “Shaitan-pipe” is an improvised piece of 122mm towed rocket artillery. The launch tubes are centered around a central point, but the chassis construction resembles some kind of industrial cart frame. In this construction, there are three launch tubes mounted on the improvised MRL piece. The idea was to shoot-and-scoot to avoid counterbattery fire, yet this proved ineffective given the circumstance of Dmitry’s death. And the death of the commander of the unit prior to Dmitry.
Video: SVObodnyi Khudozhnyk
Although he was no longer alive this summer & did not participate in this most recent wave of drone attacks, Ragulin was an important figure, as his content began to normalize the killing of civilians or targeting of civilian objects on Osvedomitell Alex’s channel, which has a significant following of almost 45,000 subscribers. Comparing that to the mere 2,000 of SVObodnyi Khudozhnyk, the motive to popularize these war crimes emerges. After the death of Dmitry, the unit’s channel went dormant – and Alex made other “friends.”
8th Separate Guards Artillery Regiment: “The Light at the End of the Tunnel”
The 8th Separate Guards Artillery Regiment (8 ogap) (Russian: 8-й отдельный гвардейский артиллерийский полк (8 огап); Military Unit Number 87714) is an artillery regiment of the Russian Ground Forces. Part of the 22nd Army Corps, the regiment is based in Perevalnoye, Simferopol district, occupied Crimea. Formed in June 2014 during the War in Donbas, the regiment has fought under the command of the Black Sea Fleet, supporting operations of the 22nd AC. It has fought as part of Russian operations in Kherson Oblast since the outbreak of the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine. And more recently, they were given “Guards” status by Vladimir Putin in July of 2023.
“For mass heroism and bravery, fortitude and courage demonstrated by the regiment’s personnel in combat operations to defend the Fatherland and state interests in armed conflicts, I decree:
– Vladimir Putin
1. To assign the honorary title “Guards” to the 8th Artillery Regiment and henceforth to call it: the 8th Guards Artillery Regiment.
2. This Decree shall enter into force on the day of its signing.”
Left & Center: Rare BM-21 Grad on KamAZ 5350 chassis employed by the 8th Separate Guards Artillery Regiment in 2014. Right: 2A65B MSTA-B howitzer utilized by the regiment in 2014.
Photos: Infonapalm; Infonapalm; Infonapalm
An account on Telegram, linked to this unit, began to supplant the void left by the regularity of SVObodnyi Khudozhnyk’s posts on Osvedomitell Alex’s channel, “From Mariupol to the Carpathians.” “The Light at the End of the Tunnel” has since take over as the primary source of civilian drone strikes in Kherson Oblast on the milblogger’s channel.
It was difficult to identify exactly which unit the account was linked to, but their unit emblem was identifiable through these posts dating back to March 1st & 11th, 2024 respectively.
Video: The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Video: The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Additionally, a cringe-worthy singer-songwriter performance posted on March 8th, 2024, for International Women’s Day gave away the name of the unit and revealed the identity of one potential culprit of the crimes occurring in Kherson.
Video: The Light at the End of the Tunnel
“Congratulations from the 8th Guards Artillery Regiment. To all our dear and beloved women💐💐💐Happy most beautiful spring holiday to all our girls, young women, women and grandmothers.💐💐💐Bloom and enjoy life💐💐💐Love and be loved💐💐💐Wait for us and we will return with victory, thanks to your love, warmth and faith in us.💐💐💐💐💐Peaceful sky💐💐💐💐💐
– The Light at the End of the Tunnel
The Fixer – March 8 (author and performer Igor Sarukhanov)”
No specific identity has been linked to this account, aside from Igor Sarukhanov. However, in looking further back into the history of the channel, the evolution from drone-based artillery reconnaissance unit to a band of war criminals emerges, much like SVObodnyi Khudozhnyk.
Video: The Light at the End of The Tunnel
A post dating back to July 28th, 2023 showcases the unit’s presence in Kherson since last summer doing reconnaissance for artillery. The shell lands on the Russian-controlled side of the Antonovskyi Bridge, which runs between Oleshky and Antonivka. Most of the videos appear to feature 2A36 Giatsint-B’s being used to fire upon Kherson.
Video: The Light at the End of The Tunnel
Video: The Light at the End of The Tunnel
Video: The Light at the End of The Tunnel
But it is from this artillery reconnaissance unit, which Osvedomitell Alex now posts crimes, showing that their task has evolved from spotting to terrorizing the populace of Kherson & its suburbs. On September 20th, an attack on a civilian vehicle injured a 60 year-old victim in the city and was posted by the unit. They also included a still of the explosion to gloat over their “work.”
Video & Photo: The Light at the End of the Tunnel
They have also evolved their regularity of posting and a reduction in time between attacking and posting. Over the summer, it was said by analyst, Andrew Perpetua, that the drone operators and milbloggers were holding on to footage for certain subscriber milestones, but began breaking it to post especially violent or bloody attacks.
And on the 20th, Osvedomitell Alex posted this video shortly after reports of an attack on two civilian men, ages 62 & 64, who were injured by a drone-dropped grenade in the tiny suburb of Kindiyka.
Video: From Mariupol to the Carpathians
Final Thoughts
More remains to be done on this front, EW must be funded by allied governments to guarantee the protection of the civilian population of Kherson. Additionally, more research into the identities of alleged war criminals, like Dmitry Ragulin, must be done. Changes can also be made to the situation by severely disrupting logistics of the Russian Army and occupation regimes by allowing Ukraine to strike back into Russian territory. Positive developments may come if the Kherson Police and National Police are able to catch more collaborators and disrupt the Russian kill-chain.
More updates will follow as the city sees some of its worst atrocities in recent days.
Sources
English Sources:
(1) Andrew Perpetua on X: “btw, This video was kept by this russian unit as their celebratory video for reaching 4000 subscribers. They decided to release it early (they have 3300). They celebrate this.” / X.” X (Formerly Twitter). N.p., n.d. Web.<https://x.com/AndrewPerpetua/status/1828075717877178661>.
(1) Andrew Perpetua on X: ‘I Have Found the Lowest Quality Video of the War. Https://T.Co/SX1MjxWPRA’ / X.” X (Formerly Twitter). N.p., n.d. Web. <https://x.com/AndrewPerpetua/status/1837544232795435274>.
205th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade. (n.d.). DBpedia. <https://dbpedia.org/page/205th_Separate_Motor_Rifle_Brigade>.
ATP Geopolitics. “UKRAINE WAR LIVE EXTRA: Brendan Kelley – Russian Strikes on Kerson Civilians.” YouTube 19 Sept. 2024. Web. <https://www.youtube.com/live/E_X6rrJV5KE?si=GXr6R3TQWK3g8aBy>.
Clark, M., Hird, K., & Institute for the Study of War. (2023). RUSSIAN REGULAR GROUND FORCES ORDER OF BATTLE. Institute for the Study of War. <https://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/October%2012%2C%202023%20Russian%20Orbat_Final.pdf>.
DW Documentary. “How Russian Drones Target Civilians in a Small Ukrainian City | DW Documentary.” YouTube 26 Aug. 2024. Web. <https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/kuTo94TnMPo?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0>.
“Google Earth.” N.p., n.d. Web. <https://earth.google.com/>.
Substack. “The Hounds of Z.” By Brendan Kelley – The Bober’s Lodge. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://substack.com/@bkelley7622/p-148118854>.
“UA Map.” N.p., n.d. Web. <https://map.ukrdailyupdate.com/>.
Ukrainian Sources:
Kitsoft. (n.d.). Національна поліція України. <https://www.npu.gov.ua/news/na-khersonshchyni-cherez-rosiisku-ahresiiu-odna-liudyna-zahynula-ta-troie-poraneno-politsiia-fiksuie-naslidky-atak>.
Kitsoft. (n.d.). Національна поліція України. <https://www.npu.gov.ua/news/na-khersonshchyni-cherez-vorozhi-udary-poraneno-piatero-liudei-politsiia-fiksuie-naslidky>.
Kitsoft. (n.d.). Національна поліція України. <https://www.npu.gov.ua/news/na-khersonshchyni-vnaslidok-rosiiskykh-obstriliv-dvi-liudyny-zahynulo-ta-sim-poraneno-politsiia-fiksuie-naslidky-zlochyniv-okupantiv>.
Правда, У. (2023, June 6). Стало відомо, хто міг підірвати Каховську ГЕС. Українська Правда. <https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2023/06/6/7405536/>.
Прокудін Олександр – Офіційна Сторінка. Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/olexandrprokudin/4486>.
Поліція Херсонської області. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/khersonpolice/10640>.
🇺🇦Херcонська ОДА (ОВА). (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/khersonskaODA/24687>.
🇺🇦Херcонська ОДА (ОВА). (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/khersonskaODA/24689>.
Russian Sources:
Born, F., & Bjorn, F. (2015, December 28). Российские оккупанты приступили к формированию новых войсковых частей в Крыму — 8-й отдельный артиллерийский полк. InformNapalm. <https://informnapalm.org/1373-rossyjskye-okkupanty-prystupyly-k-formyrovanye-novyh-vojskovyh-chastej-v-krymu-8-j-otdelnyj-artylleryjskyj-polk/>.
InformNapalm. (2021, April 26). 8-й отдельный артиллерийский полк ЧФ РФ в Крыму: от учений с РСЗО до расстрела контрактника. <https://informnapalm.org/50142-8-j-otdelnyj-artillerijskij-polk-chf-rf/>.
Безручко, Д. (2023, July 4). «Крымская гвардия»: потери и «награды» российских формирований из Крыма. Крым.Реалии. <https://ru.krymr.com/a/voyennyye-krym-voyna-gvardiya-poteri/32488985.html>.
Свет в конце тоннеля. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/thetunnelight/87>.
Свет в конце тоннеля. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/thetunnelight/137>.
Свет в конце тоннеля. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/thetunnelight/147>.
Свет в конце тоннеля. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/thetunnelight/281>.
Свет в конце тоннеля. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/thetunnelight/290>.
Свет в конце тоннеля. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web.<https://t.me/thetunnelight/296>.
Свет в конце тоннеля. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web.<https://t.me/thetunnelight/314>.
Свет в конце тоннеля. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/thetunnelight/1184>.
Свет в конце тоннеля. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/thetunnelight/1273>.
Свет в конце тоннеля. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/thetunnelight/1422>.
СВОбодный ХУДОЖНИК. (n.d.). Telegram. https://t.me/svoxydo/188
СВОбодный ХУДОЖНИК. (n.d.). Telegram. https://t.me/svoxydo/354
СВОбодный ХУДОЖНИК. (n.d.). Telegram. https://t.me/svoxydo/783
Гусельников | Расследования и портреты. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/guselandrei/3428>.
Гусельников | Расследования и портреты. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/guselandrei/3899>.
Ленинград (Leningrad) – Пидарасы (Faggots). (n.d.). Genius. <https://genius.com/Leningrad-faggots-lyrics>.
Моисей | Бездушная авиация. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web.<https://t.me/gefestwar/3123>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/16869>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/16921>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web.<https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/19747>.
От Мариуполя До Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/19787>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20504>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20530>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20539>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20540>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20458>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20459>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20463>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20760>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20766>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20787>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20801>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web.<https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20818>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20848>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20924>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20944>.
От Мариуполя до Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20945>.
От Мариуполя До Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20970>.
От Мариуполя До Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20971>.
От Мариуполя До Карпат. (n.d.). Telegram. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://t.me/osvedomitell_alex/20972>.
России, О. Р. О. С. П. (n.d.). 8-му артиллерийскому полку присвоено почётное наименование «гвардейский». Президент России. <http://kremlin.ru/acts/news/71559>.