Operators from Ukrainian Phoenix drone unit have successfully targeted and eliminated multiple russian assets and personnel in Donetsk region, according to a recent operational report. Using FPV drones, the unit engaged enemy positions and vehicles with precision, including several instances of close-in strikes on infantry.
In one incident, russian soldier attempted to conceal himself under a tree but was spotted by drone pilots. Another tried to maneuver around the same location but encountered Ukrainian drone mid-movement. These encounters highlight how real-time surveillance and strike capability are increasingly integrated on a small-unit level.
Read more: Two-Step FPV Attack: Rare Buk-M3 Radar Was Taken Out in Coordinated Drone Strike
The report also confirms the destruction of several russian vehicles and electronic warfare equipment. Among them were the UAZ van, one motorcycle, and notably, the R-330Zh Zhitel electronic warfare system. The latter is used by russian forces to jam communications and drone signals, making its loss particularly significant.
The Zhitel system is designed to interfere with GPS, mobile networks, and drone control signals. Its destruction not only impacts the immediate operational capacity of russian troops in the area but may also improve the effectiveness of future Ukrainian drone missions by reducing signal interference.
Casualty reports indicate that around ten russian personnel were eliminated during the strikes. Ukrainian operators have become increasingly adept at combining reconnaissance and attack roles within a single sortie, often achieving results without exposing their own forces to direct combat.
As Defense Express previously reported, operators from Ukraine's 14th Separate UAV Regiment, working in coordination with other units, have located and destroyed russian 9S36M radar, a key component of the Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile system. This radar is a relatively rare and modern element of russia's air defense capabilities.
The 9S36M system functions as the fire-control radar within the Buk-M3 unit, handling target tracking and missile guidance. Its loss reduces the effectiveness of the system, which is designed to engage aircraft, drones, and missiles at medium to long range.
Read more: $150,000 russian Orlan-30 Drone Destroyed by Cheap Ukrainian FPV
