Special operations units from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have successfully targeted and damaged three Russian Navy warships in occupied Crimea, including large landing ships Yamal and Azov. The coordinated strike also impacted a communication system antenna block, a radar station, and fuel storage tanks at an oil depot. These operations, part of a broader campaign, aim to systematically degrade Russia’s logistics and military capabilities in the region. The SBU stated that such operations will continue to intensify until Russia loses its operational capabilities on Ukrainian territory.
Read More
In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended seven foreign nationals – six Ukrainians and one American – on allegations of plotting terrorist acts against India. The arrests, executed in a coordinated sweep last week under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), involved detaining the US national at Kolkata airport and three Ukrainians each at the Lucknow and Delhi airports. These individuals had reportedly entered India legally but subsequently traveled to Mizoram without obtaining the required Restricted Area Permit.
Read More
The Alpha unit of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) announced the destruction of half of Russia’s Pantsir air defense systems, a key asset valued at $15-20 million per unit and effective against Ukrainian long-range drones. This “systemic destruction” aims to strategically weaken Russia’s defenses, enabling Ukrainian forces to conduct more effective strikes on military bases, warehouses, and other occupied facilities deep within Russian territory and occupied areas. These recent actions follow a pattern of Ukrainian long-range strikes targeting Russian military infrastructure, including a $100 million radar station and a major arsenal storing missiles and explosives in Volgograd Oblast.
Read More
An Uzbek national was apprehended and subsequently jailed in January following his involvement in the 2024 explosion that claimed the life of General Igor Kirillov outside a Moscow apartment building. The Ukrainian SBU intelligence agency has claimed responsibility for this targeted attack. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions and clandestine operations between Ukraine and Russia.
Read More
According to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), long-range strikes over the past year have damaged or destroyed approximately $4 billion worth of Russian air defense systems, including S-300, S-350, and S-400 systems, as well as several others. The SBU stated that these attacks have opened corridors in Russia’s air defense, allowing Ukrainian drones to penetrate deeper into enemy territory, targeting military bases, warehouses, and airfields. The SBU’s claims also include damage to radar reconnaissance and guidance systems, as well as strikes on a large drone factory in Taganrog, where the Molniya drone was produced. Moscow has yet to respond to the SBU’s claims, which are difficult to independently verify.
Read More
On January 13th, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claimed to have struck the Atlant Aero plant in Taganrog, a key Russian factory involved in drone production, resulting in a large fire and explosions. The plant manufactures Orion drones and components for FPV drones and loitering munitions. This strike is expected to reduce the production of UAVs and weaken Russia’s reconnaissance and strike capabilities. This attack is part of a growing Ukrainian campaign of deep strikes against Russian military targets, which is possible due to the increasing domestic production of long-range attack drones.
Read More
On December 18, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) conducted a successful overnight strike on a Russian military airfield in occupied Crimea, specifically targeting the Belbek airbase. The SBU’s Alpha unit utilized long-range drones to destroy air defense equipment, including radar systems and a MiG-31 fighter jet, resulting in damage estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. These systems are critical for protecting military and logistical facilities in Crimea, and their destruction will significantly weaken Russia’s defense capabilities on the Crimean axis. The SBU has stated that they will continue to dismantle the occupiers’ defenses to restore Ukrainian control of Crimea.
Read More
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) successfully disabled a Russian Varshavianka-class submarine in Novorossiysk port using the underwater drone Sub Sea Baby. This submarine, capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles used in attacks against Ukraine, is now effectively out of service. The attack was a joint operation between the 13th Main department of counterintelligence of SBU and the Ukrainian Navy. The estimated cost of this type of submarine is around $400 million, with potential construction costs now reaching $500 million due to international sanctions.
Read More
On December 5, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) launched a drone strike on a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal within Russia’s Temryuk Seaport, resulting in a three-day fire. The SBU’s Alpha special operations unit conducted the attack, targeting the Maktren-Nafta production facilities. The strike destroyed roughly 70% of the facility’s fuel tanks, along with railway tankers and related infrastructure. This operation aligns with the SBU’s ongoing efforts to cripple Russia’s oil and gas infrastructure, which supports the war against Ukraine.
Read More
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reported thwarting a series of planned terrorist attacks in Kyiv allegedly orchestrated by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). These attacks were intended to destabilize the capital and included plans for explosions in public spaces and assassinations of prominent Ukrainians. The SBU identified a resident of Crimea, recruited by the FSB, as the organizer of the operation, who traveled to Kyiv to recruit individuals and carry out targeted killings. The alleged recruiter has been charged with high treason, terrorism, and illegal handling of weapons but remains at large in Russian-occupied territory.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker