By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On August 7, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) launched drone strikes on several Russian military targets in occupied Crimea. These targets included a fast assault landing craft, which sustained fire damage. In addition, the strikes destroyed or damaged multiple radar installations vital to Russia’s air defense, such as the Nebo-SVU, Podlet-K1, and 96L6E. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported shooting down 18 drones over Crimea during the morning’s events. These attacks are part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to target Russian military infrastructure in the region since the full-scale invasion began.
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Inflicting “serious losses,” Ukraine strikes Russian radar systems, landing craft in Crimea, intelligence claims, the story unfolds.
Russia’s radar network in the Black Sea is a real linchpin, wouldn’t you say? It’s not just about detecting incoming threats; it’s the central nervous system for their entire defense posture in that region. Early warning of air strikes, coordinating air defense assets, and protecting naval assets are all heavily reliant on this network. So, if Ukraine can somehow degrade even a portion of that system, it’s a significant blow. It directly weakens Russia’s control over the airspace and maritime operations in the area. This isn’t just a tactical win; it’s a strategic adjustment, shifting the balance of power in a critical area.
The recent actions, when viewed alongside the earlier Storm Shadow strikes and the increasing use of naval drones, paints a clear picture of Ukraine’s strategy. It’s asymmetric warfare at its finest. They’re not trying to match Russia’s firepower directly, which is a losing game, but rather forcing them to spread their resources thin. This is precisely what a resource-limited army needs to do to stay in the fight and even gain ground. They’re picking their battles, choosing targets that cause maximum disruption with the resources they have available.
Now, some have the audacity to be critical of such an offensive. As the old saying goes, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles.” The reality is, the Ukrainian intelligence community is delivering. It’s a testament to their tenacity and adaptability in the face of a larger, more formidable opponent. Their ability to evolve their tactics, to learn and adapt, is remarkable.
Speaking of Russian setbacks, it seems like some might be downplaying the impact of these strikes. It’s important to remember that the Moskva, a flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, is at the bottom of the sea. Then there is the undeniable loss of some of Russia’s nuclear capable bombers during other operations. These are significant losses, and they have a cumulative effect. The war isn’t just about seizing territory; it’s about attrition, about weakening the enemy’s ability to fight and to project power.
The fact that Russia hasn’t been able to secure its objectives after more than three years speaks volumes. It’s not just about the scale of the losses; it’s about the prolonged nature of the conflict and the toll it takes on morale, resources, and the overall strategic position. The Ukrainian forces have consistently demonstrated their ability to strike high-value targets. The recent actions in Crimea are just another example of this.
One should also consider the focus on Crimea. These attacks are not deep strikes into Russian territory. They’re taking out air defense systems and radar installations. It’s not as if they are claiming to have taken out a target deep inside Russia. Crimea is currently an area of conflict and a key staging area. We’ve seen the Ukrainians take out air defense systems and radar before.
Instead of questioning the strategic importance, we should be asking, “Why is Russia struggling so much?” Why hasn’t it achieved its goals despite its numerical and material advantages? The answer is multi-layered and includes the strategic application of asymmetric tactics. It also speaks to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Ukrainian military.
There are those who would rather find excuses and deflect from the reality of the situation. The current activity should be a source of strategic concern for the Russian military. The ongoing targeting of radar systems is of quite significant strategic value.
And just to be clear, while one might try to ask for specific information, the facts are that the Ukrainians, especially HUR (the Main Intelligence Directorate), are developing a strong track record of their claims. The claims are supported by evidence, whether geolocated footage or satellite images. This is a sign of operational competence, not mere propaganda.
Since 2014, the Ukrainians have been preparing for this. They’ve trained, adapted, and continued to evolve their defensive asymmetric actions. They’re proving their mettle on the battlefield. Their army is heroic. They’re adapting and changing and adapting again. The Ukrainian Army is truly bad-ass!