Commander of the 1st Separate Assault Brigade Perun Discusses Offensive in Dnipropetrovsk Region, Meetings with Syrskyi, and Cooperation with Paratroopers
A new term has emerged in the Ukrainian army, vying for the title of 'Word of the Year 2025'—the assault brigade. This military unit organization has become crucial in the context of full-scale war, evolving from small battalions of volunteers into an essential component of the Ground Forces.
The concept of assault brigades began as groups of fighters who participated in the most challenging battles, striving to stabilize the front lines. They have proven their mettle in critical moments, such as the loss of positions near Pokrovsk, the escalation at Chasiv Yar, and significant offensives in Kursk.
By 2024, the term 'assault troops' began to encompass not only infantry from mechanized or airborne brigades but also a new type of military personnel—fighters from assault battalions, and eventually brigades. Among the most notable assault brigades are the 225th and 425th, which gained recognition for various reasons, both positive and negative.
Thanks to their successes on the battlefield and unwavering commitment to their missions, assault troops have become favorites of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Some brigades have received priority in personnel recruitment, although representatives of assault brigades note that many new conscripts were often those rejected by other brigades.
By the fall of 2025, assault troops had become so vital that the President of Ukraine even considered the establishment of separate assault forces. Today, assault units have become a source of fear for parts of society and the military, yet they also serve as a lifeline for brigade and corps commanders. These units have rescued the Dobropillia salient, provided support for 'Charter' in Kupiansk, and are currently conducting offensive operations in the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions alongside paratroopers.
One of the assault brigades actively participating in the current offensive is the 1st Separate Assault Brigade (OSA), commanded by Dmytro Filatov, with the call sign 'Perun.' This brigade, according to military personnel, possesses unique characteristics that distinguish it from other assault units. The backbone of the 1st OSA consists of volunteers who served under the command of Hero of Ukraine Dmytro Kotsyubailo, along with distinctive approaches to planning combat operations and caring for personnel.
Soldiers of the 1st OSA emphasize that they find meaning in their work and, regardless of the circumstances, spare no resources in support of their infantry assault troops. One member describes the internal situation within the brigade: 'We will sacrifice ourselves to save, if necessary, our assault infantry.'
In an interview with 'Ukrainska Pravda,' Dmytro Filatov discussed the stages of the Ukrainian army's offensive actions in the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, the tone and frequency of meetings with the Commander-in-Chief at the front, and cooperation with paratroopers. He noted that offensive actions in Dnipropetrovsk, particularly in the Oleksandrivka and partially in the Huliaipole directions, began nearly two months ago.
Filatov pointed out that currently, offensive actions are not being conducted on a large scale but are carried out by small groups in areas where conditions are favorable. 'There is still a bit more to go to completely liberate the Dnipropetrovsk region, but our actions are not mass operations yet,' he stated.
He also explained that success in Dnipropetrovsk was made possible by the Commander-in-Chief's decision not to expend resources on the restoration of Huliaipole, which was essentially lost at the end of 2025. 'We transitioned to defense as much as possible, and the freed-up forces were used to improve our tactical position,' Filatov added.
The commander of the 1st OSA confirmed that their actions in Dnipropetrovsk forced the enemy to withdraw its units from the Pokrovsk direction, significantly easing the situation for the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine and the 7th Airborne Corps. 'We halted their advance in Dnipropetrovsk, blocking further opportunities for an offensive,' he emphasized.
Regarding the settlements cleared by the 1st Assault Brigade, Filatov noted that they operated in Novo Zaporizhzhia, Dobropillia, Zlahoda, Rybne, and Uspenivka. 'Dobropillia, for example, was under enemy control, although this was not widely reported,' he added.