Arena-M Trials Signal Russian Bid to Restore Tank Maneuver Amid Drone Saturation
ISW reports Russia is continuing to test and deploy Arena-M active-protection systems on T-72B3Ms to counter Ukrainian FPV drones and revive mechanized maneuver, but analysts caution the system alone is unlikely to restore maneuver amid dense drone threats and other kill-zone measures, prompting calls for a layered air defense approach. At the same time, Russia has intensified strikes on Odesa Oblast, including the Mayaki bridge, to disrupt Ukrainian grain exports via the land corridor; Ukraine cites grain losses and shipping slowdowns while seeking alternative routes such as the Danube. Reports also indicate potential North Korean troop deployments to Russia (up to around 50,000), per Zelensky and Reuters, and Ukrainian forces continue long-range strikes against Russian air defenses with observed advances in Kupyansk and Borova areas, while northern Sumy and eastern Donbas sectors see limited, non-decisive activity. Overall, both sides are pursuing novel tactics and technologies to enable tactical maneuver, but a clear breakthrough remains elusive.