Russian Supply Lines in Occupied Donetsk No Longer Safe as Ukrainian Drones Strike Deep

Ukrainian drone operators from the 1st Corps of the National Guard’s Azov unit have begun systematically targeting Russian military logistics routes in and around occupied Donetsk, including areas located more than 50 kilometers from the frontline.

According to statements published by the Azov Corps press service on April 16, the operations focus on disrupting transport routes used by Russian forces across multiple locations, including Zuhres, Andriivka, Starobesheve, Horlivka, Lysychansk, and the Donetsk ring road.

Footage released by the unit shows Ukrainian drones operating directly over central Donetsk, including near the Donbas Arena stadium.

The Azov Corps stated that the ability to conduct strikes in what it describes as a “deep operational zone” highlights weaknesses in Russia’s airspace monitoring and air defense systems in the area.

“Not long ago, the occupiers felt completely safe there. But from now on, all military targets moving along roads around Donetsk will be destroyed,” the unit said in its statement.

Video evidence published by the unit shows drone strikes against Russian logistics vehicles, including trucks transporting personnel, ammunition, and fuel tankers. Additional footage indicates Ukrainian UAV presence over key urban locations in Donetsk, suggesting expanded operational reach.

Earlier, Russian submarines in the Baltic Sea were observed equipped with improvised anti-drone “cage armor” and additional defenses. The modifications—installed on vessels stationed near Kronstadt—are believed to protect critical systems such as periscopes and antennas from potential UAV attacks, reflecting growing concern over Ukrainian drone capabilities beyond the Black Sea region.

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