A specialized “ghost” unit from Ukraine has successfully taken out two significant Russian radar stations and a missile launcher in the eastern Donbas region, as reported by the Mirror. This clandestine drone team, known as ‘ghosts’ for their undetectable nature by Russia, conducted a covert operation behind enemy lines to target the Podlet low-altitude radars and a 9A82 missile launcher, aiming to impede Russian advancements in the area.
The destruction of the anti-aircraft defense system not only hampers Russian capabilities but also paves the way for Ukraine to launch more impactful assaults on Russia’s industrial and energy facilities. Additionally, a Russian troop-carrying truck fell victim to a drone strike orchestrated by special forces units, diverting Moscow’s troops from their frontline offensives.
The elimination of the troop carrier was considered a “bonus” by Ukraine’s intelligence agencies, as it was discovered incidentally during the drone attack on the weapon sites. Amid reports of Russian troops entering the besieged city of Pokrovsk, Kyiv refuted claims of its troops being ‘surrounded’ as mere falsehoods.
The potential fall of Pokrovsk could serve as a strategic point for Russia to deepen its incursions into Ukraine, despite international calls for a ceasefire. The ongoing conflict has seen intense fighting within the city, with over 200 Russian troops engaged and suspicions of Moscow’s sabotage units infiltrating the community.
In a broader context, a recent UN report highlighted Russian drone teams targeting civilians in eastern Ukraine to force displacement. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate confirmed that its special operations unit, known as Prymary or “Ghosts,” orchestrated the attack, although the precise location remains undisclosed.
Over the past few months, Ukraine has concentrated on neutralizing Russia’s ground-to-air defense missile systems to effectively strike at Moscow’s industrial infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed that Ukrainian-made long-range weapons have significantly impacted Russia’s oil refining capacity, with over 90% of deep strikes on Russian soil attributed to Ukrainian weaponry.
The assault on Russia’s oil sector not only weakens Putin’s financial resources but also hampers his ability to sustain the military campaign. Western sanctions, coupled with Ukraine’s strategic strikes on Russian assets, have collectively diminished Putin’s financial and logistical capabilities. Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence and armed forces have systematically dismantled high-value Russian radar and missile systems, both within occupied territories and inside Russia, showcasing a string of successes against Russian infrastructure in recent times.