(KYIV) – Ukraine says it has destroyed 19 elements of Russia’s air defence network within 12 days as Kyiv expands the use of combat drones across occupied territories and Russian military infrastructure.
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces reported that the strikes occurred in early March and included the destruction of S300 and TOR missile defence systems. Ukrainian officials say the attacks were carried out using Firepoint drones that have increasingly been deployed to locate and strike Russian radar and missile platforms.
Russia’s air defence network includes several layers of systems. Long range systems include S300, S400 and S500 missiles. Medium range systems include the Buk platform, while short range systems include the Pantsir S1 and TOR systems. Ukrainian analysts say Russia’s monthly production of these systems remains limited, with estimates suggesting the country produces only a small number of units each month.
Recent drone footage also showed the destruction of a Nebo radar system, followed by a strike on a Buk air defence platform once the radar was disabled.
Ukrainian forces also reported a successful drone strike on a major oil refinery in southern Russia. Satellite data suggested several fires at the Afipsky refinery in Krasnodar region. The facility is capable of producing about seven million tonnes of refined petroleum products each year.
The refinery has previously been targeted several times. Ukrainian strikes were reported in December, November, September and August last year. Analysts say repeated attacks could disrupt Russia’s fuel supply chain supporting military operations.
Kyiv also reported attacks on Russian transport ships carrying military equipment through the Kerch Strait. Ukrainian officials released still images showing damage to two vessels used to transport supplies to occupied Crimea. Military observers note that Russia has relied more heavily on shipping routes after damage to the Kerch Bridge rail network.
In the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, a Greek tanker operating in Russia’s so called shadow fleet was struck by an unidentified object near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal. No confirmed damage reports have been released. Shipping activity at the port reportedly slowed after Ukrainian strikes on nearby infrastructure two weeks earlier.
Ukraine also released images of the destruction of a Russian Raptor patrol boat using a Firepoint drone.
Another strike reportedly destroyed an Iskander ballistic missile launcher concealed in woodland in occupied Crimea. Ukrainian footage indicated that the launcher was detected and targeted by drones before secondary explosions occurred at nearby facilities.
A Russian missile storage facility in Luhansk region was also hit. Ukrainian officials said the strike caused several large secondary explosions likely linked to stored rocket propellants.
Rail infrastructure has also been targeted. Ukrainian drone operators struck a freight train carrying looted cargo in occupied Zaporizhzhia region. Video showed multiple drones attacking the locomotive and a second engine attempting to reverse the train.
Ukraine’s commander in chief, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Russian battlefield losses have exceeded new recruitment for three consecutive months. According to the general, Russian mobilisation has not been sufficient to replace personnel losses on the front line.
On the battlefield Ukrainian forces continue to hold positions on the southern front while conducting limited advances. Officials say Russian troops have been pushed back from areas near the Dnipro region where Moscow attempted to advance late last year.
In northern Europe, Sweden boarded a Russian shadow fleet tanker suspected of operating under false documentation. It was the second vessel detained by Swedish authorities in recent weeks.
Inside Russia, residents in Moscow have experienced a mobile internet blackout lasting nearly two weeks. Authorities say the restrictions are intended to reduce the effectiveness of Ukrainian long range drones which can rely on mobile networks and GPS signals.
Meanwhile Russian attacks on Ukraine continue. Ukrainian officials reported that at least three people were killed and 27 injured during Russian strikes over the past day.
Russia launched 498 drones and missiles during one recent overnight attack targeting Kyiv and other areas. Ukrainian air defence units said 460 of those targets were intercepted. Officials reported that newly deployed F16 aircraft played a major role in intercepting cruise missiles.
Ukraine also reported progress in drone interception technology. Operators using Wild Hornet interceptor drones have begun targeting Iranian made Shahed drones launched by Russian forces.
One operator known by the call sign Hulk reportedly destroyed 20 Shahed drones in a single day. Mobile teams equipped with interceptor drones now operate from specialised vans that deploy rapidly to protect urban areas and critical infrastructure.
The technology has attracted international attention. Countries including Israel, Saudi Arabia and Japan are reportedly exploring potential cooperation agreements with Ukraine to acquire interceptor drone systems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently visited an F16 training centre in Romania where Ukrainian pilots are continuing advanced training on Western fighter aircraft.
Military analysts say Ukraine’s expanding drone capabilities and improved air defence coordination are becoming central elements of the country’s strategy as the war with Russia enters another year.
Ukraine has successfully destroyed 19 Russian air defense systems in the last 12 days as Ukraine’s FirePoint drones cannot be stopped by the Russians. Moscow is still without mobile internet after two weeks as conspiracies continue to circulate what Putin is afraid of. The war in Iran is going terribly for the United States as Trump is prepared to escalate with a ground invasion of Kharg Island.
