Ukrainian Drone Attack Disables Russian River Flotilla Base and ST-68 Radar Site in Crimea

Ukrainian unmanned aerial systems have struck a series of Russian military and infrastructure targets in occupied territories, including a radar installation and a river flotilla base in western Crimea.

The strikes were carried out by the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces, according to multiple public statements from Commander Robert “Magyar” Brovdi on December 31, 2025.

A total of 12 Russian military sites were targeted across occupied Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions, with two additional strikes confirmed in Russia’s interior. Among the most significant targets were:

• A Russian base of the 92nd River Boat Brigade in Olenivka, Crimea;

• A Soviet-era ST-68 radar system, also located in Olenivka;

• A fuel depot in Rovenky, Luhansk region;

• Three staging locations of the Russian “Rubicon-D” special unit in Selydove, Donetsk region;

• Temporary housing for Russian personnel from the 74th Motor Rifle Brigade and 589th Regiment in the same area;

• Electrical substations “Melitopol” and “Molochansk” in Zaporizhzhia region.

The Ukrainian drone strike in Olenivka targeted the 92nd Brigade’s boat base, which was reportedly formed in 2024 to support riverine patrols, logistics near the Kinburn and Tendrov Spits, and anti-diversionary operations along Crimea’s coast.

The same strike also destroyed a three-coordinate ST-68 radar system, a mobile Soviet-designed radar used for tracking low-flying aerial targets.

The ST-68 radar system, also known by NATO designation “Tin Shield,” was widely deployed during the Soviet era. While largely outdated by modern standards, it still contributes to Russia’s layered air defense grid, particularly in remote or rear-echelon zones such as western Crimea.

Footage published by Brovdi on Telegram showed surveillance imagery from Ukrainian drones over both the radar system and boat base in Olenivka. The video was also shared by several Ukrainian media outlets on December 31.

The strikes in Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia were carried out by various UAV detachments, including the “Ptakhy” (Birds) unit and the “Graf” subdivision of the Unmanned Systems Forces. The attack on the Rovenky fuel facility was reportedly coordinated with Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).

Earlier on December 31, Ukrainian drones struck a major fuel storage facility in Rybinsk, Yaroslavl region, sparking a large fire at the Rosrezerv-linked Kombinat “Temp” depot. The site is part of Russia’s strategic fuel reserve system and serves as a key logistics hub for northeastern regions.

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