Ukraine Hits Russian Drone Training Facility 90 Kilometers From the Battlefield, Video

Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces have struck a Russian training facility in the temporarily occupied settlement of Khrustalnyi in Luhansk region, targeting a center used to train artillery spotters and drone operators, according to Ukrainian military officials.

The operation was reported by the commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert Brovdi, who shared video footage of the strike on Facebook on May 6.

Describing the facility as a “high-value target” located more than 90 kilometers from the line of battle, Brovdi said the operation followed an extended period of intelligence gathering and preparation.

The strike was carried out by the 9th Battalion “Kairos” of the 414th Brigade, known as “Madyar’s Birds,” in coordination with a special unit of the Security Service of Ukraine and under the guidance of the newly established Center for Deep Strike within the Unmanned Systems Forces.

According to Brovdi, Ukrainian forces conducted 15 drone strikes using so-called “middle strike” unmanned aerial systems equipped with 100-kilogram warheads. The attacks targeted multiple structures within the complex, including a 2,600-square-meter training building and a 5,700-square-meter temporary deployment facility.

At the time of the strike, the center reportedly hosted a full training cycle for artillery spotters, UAV operators, instructors, and command staff. Up to 30 vehicles were also present at the site, Brovdi added.

The strike comes amid ongoing disputes over the situation in Luhansk region. Ukraine’s Third Assault Brigade has rejected Moscow’s claim that it has established full control over the region, a statement first announced by Russia’s Defense Ministry on April 1.

In its response, the brigade said Ukrainian troops continue to operate within Luhansk region, maintaining defensive positions in several settlements. It added that Russian forces have intensified offensive activity in recent months, particularly near the villages of Nadiia and Novoiehorivka.

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War in Ukraine

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According to the brigade, Russian units carried out 144 assault attempts in those areas over a six-month period, deploying 19 motorized vehicles and more than 360 troops. Ukrainian forces reported inflicting significant losses, estimating up to 260 Russian soldiers killed and over 80 wounded.

Additionally, in March, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces have conducted a series of long-range strikes deep behind Russian lines, destroying three high-value multiple launch rocket systems in temporarily occupied Crimea and hitting a large fuel depot in Luhansk region

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