Ukraine Destroys Russian Grad System Caught Violating Kremlin’s Claimed Ceasefire

Ukrainian drone operators from the 42nd Mechanized Brigade destroyed a Russian BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system on the Novopavlivka axis after it moved toward a firing position during a declared ceasefire period.

According to footage published by the 42nd Mechanized Brigade named after Hero of Ukraine Valerii Hudz on May 12, the Russian Grad system was detected while maneuvering near the frontline before being targeted by Ukrainian drones.

The brigade said Russian forces had deployed the launcher despite previously announced ceasefire measures. Video released by the unit showed several drone strikes hitting the vehicle.

“Our drones reacted immediately. The enemy received a clear response: this should not be done,” the brigade wrote in a statement accompanying the footage.

The BM-21 Grad is a Soviet-designed 122 mm multiple launch rocket system widely used by Russian forces throughout the war against Ukraine. The platform is capable of firing salvos of unguided rockets against troop concentrations, defensive positions, and urban areas.

Russia launched a ballistic missile and dozens of attack drones against Ukraine overnight on May 9, despite Moscow’s previously announced three-day ceasefire tied to Victory Day commemorations.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces reported the destruction of several Russian air defense assets in a single week, including a Buk-M3, Tor-M2, Tunguska, and Kasta-2E2 radar station collectively valued at more than $131 million, according to the Ukrainian command on May 11.

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