Ukrainian Drones Destroy Russian Air Defence Systems in Donetsk Region (Video)

(DONETSK REGION, UKRAINE) – Ukrainian forces reported the destruction of two Russian air defence systems on 1 January 2026 during operations in eastern Ukraine, according to information released by Ukrainian military sources.

The strike was carried out by drone units from the Asgard battalion of the 412 Nemesis Brigade. The operation reportedly took place in the Donetsk region and targeted high value Russian air defence assets deployed away from the immediate front line.

According to the statement, the destroyed systems included a TOR tactical surface to air missile system and a 50N6E radar that forms a core part of the S 350 Vityaz medium range air defence system. The radar is a key component used to detect and track aircraft and cruise missiles.

The S 350 Vityaz system has been in service since 2021 and was introduced to replace older BUK systems. It is designed to track up to 40 targets at the same time, with an engagement range of up to 60 kilometres and an interception altitude of up to 25 kilometres. Ukrainian sources described the system as both modern and costly.

Ukrainian units also reported earlier strikes on 31 December, when two additional Russian air defence systems, a TOR and a BUK, were hit within the space of one hour on the Huliaipole and Orikhiv axes. Later that night, another TOR system and the S 350 radar were reportedly destroyed, with video evidence shared by Ukrainian forces.

Ukrainian officials stated that such air defence systems are normally positioned hundreds of kilometres behind the front line to protect Russian airspace from long range attack drones. As a result, the strikes were carried out using medium range precision weapons with warheads weighing several tens of kilograms. They added that the targeted equipment lacks heavy armour protection, making it unlikely to remain operational once hit.

The Russian military has not publicly commented on the reported losses.

Reported systems destroyed