Ukraine’s elite special forces unit, known as the 'ghosts' for their stealthy operations, has destroyed two Russian radar stations and a missile launcher in the occupied Donbas region, according to Ukrainian intelligence. The covert drone team targeted Podlet low-altitude radars and a 9A82 missile launcher, part of the S-300V anti-aircraft system, in a bid to hinder Russian advances and open up opportunities for deeper strikes on Russian infrastructure.
The attack also destroyed a Russian troop-carrying truck, described by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate as a 'bonus' discovery during the drone strike. The exact location remains undisclosed, but the operation took place behind enemy lines in eastern Ukraine.
This comes as hundreds of Russian troops are reported to have entered the embattled city of Pokrovsk, with fierce fighting underway. Ukraine dismissed claims that its forces are surrounded as 'lies,' while a UN report highlighted Russian drone teams targeting civilians to force them from their homes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that over 90% of Ukraine’s deep strikes on Russian soil were carried out by domestically produced long-range weapons, which have reduced Russia’s oil refining capacity by 20%. He called for additional foreign financial support to boost production.
The strikes aim to cripple Russia’s energy economy, which funds its invasion. New US and EU sanctions target Russian oil giants, with US President Donald Trump imposing measures against Rosneft and Lukoil, effective November 21. Zelenskyy expressed hope that China and India, major buyers of Russian oil, will reduce imports following diplomatic engagements.
