Ukrainian Drones Degrade Russian Control in Occupied Crimea (Video)

(CRIMEA – UKRAINE) – Ukraine’s Ghost Unit has carried out a series of precise strikes across the Crimean Peninsula, severely damaging Russian military assets and exposing the weakness of Russian defenses. Over two weeks, drones targeted radar stations, aircraft, and logistics infrastructure, demonstrating Ukraine’s ability to hit key locations with minimal resistance. The operation shows that Russia’s grip on Crimea is under increasing pressure.

Ukraine’s Military Intelligence, known as HUR, confirmed on Telegram that eight accurate strikes had been carried out against the occupying forces. The destroyed targets included a Su-24 frontline bomber, a MiG-29 fighter jet, several radar systems, an Orion unmanned aerial vehicle, and a freight train used to move equipment and supplies around the peninsula. The strikes underline the growing vulnerability of Russian forces in a territory they had long considered secure.

Analysts say the destruction of radar systems, such as the Podlet and Kasta-2E2 stations, is particularly significant. These systems feed information to air defense networks, including S-300V missiles, and their loss reduces Russia’s ability to detect and intercept incoming drones and missiles. The Ghost Unit’s operations have opened new corridors for Ukraine to strike, weakening Russian defenses without risking ground troops.

The Su-24 bomber, a nuclear-capable jet used for air-to-surface attacks, was also taken out, along with glide bombs converted from dumb bombs. Russia has reportedly mass-produced these weapons, but losing them to Ukraine’s strikes limits Moscow’s ability to carry out attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Each destroyed aircraft or missile reduces the operational pressure on Ukraine while creating logistical and financial burdens for the occupying forces.

Crimea remains strategically important for Russia due to its ports, particularly Sevastopol, which hosts the Black Sea Fleet. However, Ukrainian operations, including drone attacks and naval mines, have rendered the port less effective. Partisan activity within the peninsula has also contributed to the depletion of Russian naval assets, further weakening Putin’s control.

Ukraine’s approach focuses on a combination of attrition and strategic targeting. The ongoing campaign is designed to degrade Russian capabilities in Crimea, strain resources, and limit Moscow’s ability to project power. The operation also reinforces Ukraine’s legal and political position, signalling to both domestic and international audiences that Crimea will not be ceded.

Financially, Russia has invested heavily in Crimea, moving hundreds of thousands of citizens into the region and funding infrastructure. The continued destruction of military assets adds to this cost, forcing Moscow to choose between reinforcing the peninsula or diverting resources elsewhere, further weakening its position in Ukraine.

The Ghost Unit’s operations demonstrate Ukraine’s use of drones and precision strikes to systematically erode Russian control. The strategy maintains pressure without the need for a ground offensive, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted strikes in modern warfare.

Key Russian Losses in Crimea (December 2025)