Since the beginning of July, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) have conducted a series of large-scale operations to strike the enemy's critical infrastructure in operational depth. According to USF Commander Robert "Madyar" Brovda, between July 1 and 18, 83 energy nodes were destroyed or disabled in temporarily occupied territories and Crimea.
"SSS Birds" in Action: Scale of Strikes
The USF Commander described these attacks as part of an indefinite operation aimed at destabilizing the enemy's power grid. As part of this campaign, drones, referred to in the Ukrainian military environment as "SSS birds," systematically struck power supply facilities in several regions.
Particular attention was paid to the Donetsk region. Key facilities in Mariupol were hit, specifically the 220 kV "Azovska" substation, as well as a substation in Yasynuvata. These facilities play a crucial role in electricity distribution in the region.
Strikes on Luhansk and Kherson Regions
In the Luhansk region, drones hit several substations in the settlements of Kadiivka, Solidarne, Hrechishkino, and Komysarivka. A strike on an energy facility in Havrylivka Second was also recorded — already on the territory of the Kherson region. Such strikes create systemic problems for the enemy's power grid and complicate their logistics.
Previous Successes and New Operations
These results are a continuation of previously announced operations. On the night of July 13, Madyar reported the destruction of 15 Russian ships and nine energy nodes. At that time, he also presented the results of the "Molochka" and "Crimean Switch Off" operations, aimed at destroying the enemy's logistical chains and energy infrastructure.
On July 17, Ukraine's Defense Forces also struck the patrol ship "Svetlyak" in Kerch, the "Slavneft-Yanos" oil refinery in Yaroslavl, and Russian "shadow fleet" tankers in the Black and Azov Seas. These actions demonstrate the expansion of the geography and scale of strikes against the enemy's military and economic facilities.
Strategic Significance of Strikes
Striking energy nodes in operational depth is not just a tactical task. It is a strategic step aimed at reducing the enemy's combat effectiveness, limiting their ability to transfer equipment and supply the front. Strikes against energy infrastructure in the rear create a domino effect: the disconnection of substations leads to disruptions in the operation of enterprises, transport hubs, and even civilian facilities.
The USF Command emphasizes that such operations will continue until the enemy loses the ability to effectively use its infrastructure. "SSS birds" are becoming one of the key tools of pressure on the occupiers — precise but systematic strikes are changing the rules of the game on the front.
