(ZAPORIZHZHIA AND DONETSK OBLASTS, UKRAINE) – Ukrainian forces reported the destruction of three Russian air defence assets on 12 January 2026 during operations on the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk fronts. According to Ukrainian military sources, the targets included a Prima P 18 radar system, a Tor surface to air missile system, and a Tunguska combined gun and missile air defence system.
The strikes were described as part of what Ukrainian sources referred to as a coordinated series of attacks carried out on the same day. The operation was conducted by drone units of the 412th Separate Brigade of the Unmanned Systems Forces, known as Nemesis. The brigade stated that the strikes were executed at a depth of more than 100 kilometres from the front line.
Ukrainian officials said the attacks used what they described as middle strike drones equipped with warheads weighing more than 10 kilograms. They added that such payloads leave little chance for lightly armoured but high value air defence systems to remain operational after impact.
The reported destruction of the three systems brings the total number of Russian radar and air defence units destroyed between 1st and 12th January to at least eleven, according to Ukrainian military tracking. These losses are said to further weaken the Russian air defence network in occupied areas.
The Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk directions have remained among the most active sectors of the front, with frequent long range strikes reported by Ukrainian forces.
