Russia's Higher Military Academy has introduced a new specialty, "Command of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operators," for the 2025/2026 academic year, reflecting the increasing importance of drones in modern warfare, according to a report on October 3rd. This development occurs as Ukrainian sources report the elimination of Lieutenant Kasap Evgeniy Vitalievich, identified as "Katsap," commander of a platoon in the 1435th Motor Rifle Regiment, in Ukraine. The introduction of the drone operator program at the academy highlights a strategic shift within Russian military training to adapt to evolving battlefield technologies, as stated by Nexta TV. Meanwhile, information from Ukrainian intelligence indicates that two "Lancet" drones were accounted for, with further discussion among unspecified Russian sources about the potential appearance of horses on the front lines. Previous reports from October 3rd detailed a Ukrainian drone attack on the Orsk oil refinery in Russia's Orenburg region early that morning, with footage confirming the strike. Intense fighting was also reported in the Pokrovsk direction, where a Ukrainian soldier described relentless Russian assaults on foot with KAB bombs and artillery, leading to significant Russian casualties, according to soldier «Burger». The Czech Republic also announced plans to recommend donating 30 modernized T-72M4CZ tanks to Ukraine. Earlier on October 3rd, a "Shahed" drone was observed being transported in Kyiv during a reporting window. Concurrently, a video emerged showing Russian teenagers tearing up their passports. These incidents occurred amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and information warfare, following large-scale Russian strikes that began late on October 2nd. President Donald J. Trump has previously directed the Pentagon and intelligence agencies to aid Kyiv with long-range missile strikes against targets in Russia.
