New “Secret” Strike Drones Are Cutting Russia’s Main Land Route to Crimea

Ukrainian drone operators are targeting Russian military logistics along the occupied Mariupol–Melitopol–Simferopol highway using previously undisclosed long-range strike drones, according to Ukraine’s 412th Nemesis Brigade of the Unmanned Systems Forces on May 26.

The brigade said the campaign is focused on Russia’s R-280 highway corridor, a key supply route linking occupied Mariupol with Crimea through Berdyansk and Melitopol. Russian forces reportedly use the route to transport fuel, ammunition, and military equipment between southern occupied territories.

According to Nemesis, Ukrainian operators are using what the brigade described as “secret strike wings” developed specifically for long-range attacks against Russian logistics targets deep behind the front line.

“For this, we use secret strike ‘wings’ that have not previously appeared in the public space. Thanks to the close cooperation of 412 Nemesis with the manufacturer, it was possible to create a system ideally adapted specifically for such tasks,” the brigade said in a statement published on May 26.

The unit claimed the drone system has already destroyed dozens of Russian military trucks and fuel tankers operating along the route.

According to the brigade, the reported losses forced Russian military authorities and occupation administrations to restrict the movement of heavy equipment along what Russian officials refer to as the “Novorossiya” highway.

“Attempts by the enemy to use field and dirt roads for bypass routes are also proving futile—Ukrainian drones successfully detect and eliminate targets on any terrain,” Nemesis stated.

The R-280 highway has become increasingly important for Russian military logistics since the start of the full-scale invasion, connecting occupied territories in southern Ukraine with Crimea. The route is viewed as one of Moscow’s primary ground supply corridors supporting operations in Zaporizhzhia and southern Donetsk regions.

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War in Ukraine

Ukraine’s New “Middle Strike” Drones Are Wiping Out Russia’s Supply Chains and Air Defenses

May 20, 2026 18:53

Ukraine has expanded long-range drone operations throughout 2025 and 2026, increasingly targeting Russian logistics, fuel infrastructure, air bases, and transport corridors far behind the front line.

Ukrainian military units and domestic defense manufacturers have also accelerated the development of new fixed-wing strike drones designed for deep-strike operations under heavy electronic warfare conditions.

Earlier, Ukraine’s 1st National Guard Corps “Azov” reported that its long-range drones were targeting Russian military logistics along highways connecting Mariupol with Taganrog and Volnovakha, aiming to disrupt supply routes supporting Russian forces in occupied southern Ukraine and Crimea.

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