A large-scale operation has taken place in the combat zone, changing the balance of forces on one of the key fronts. Ukrainian forces have taken full fire control of the Donetsk Airport (DAP) territory. This object, which Russian occupiers turned into a strategic military-logistics hub, has now become a trap for the enemy.

According to a statement by the 1st Separate Center of Unmanned Systems Forces (14th Regiment), the airport was a key launchpad for "Shahed"-type kamikaze drones. However, thanks to the planned actions of Ukrainian strike drone operators, the full functioning of the airfield has become impossible.

Destroying Infrastructure and Equipment

The result of the operation was the complete destruction of enemy infrastructure. Ukrainian defenders destroyed launchers, transport vehicles, and eliminated the occupiers' crews located directly on the runway. In addition, the following came under attack:

  • Engineering equipment;
  • Fuel tankers;
  • Property warehouses;
  • Construction cranes.

As noted in the unit, due to the destruction of logistics hubs, the occupiers' airfield ecosystem has completely degraded.

Asymmetric Operation and Strategic Success

The officer responsible for planning the operation, Seraphim "Falco" Gordienko of the 1st SC, called the seizure of fire control of DAP an example of an asymmetric operation. According to him, exclusively small forces thwarted the enemy's operational-strategic plans.

"This is what makes us — us," Gordienko emphasized.

In the statement of the 1st SC, it was also noted that previously the occupiers felt safe on the airport territory and planned terrorist attacks on Ukrainian cities from there. Now, there is no safe rear for the enemy: it is impossible to hide and defend oneself at this object.

Background: Growth of Drone Production in Russia

The operation looks particularly significant against the backdrop of data from Western media. Earlier, Bloomberg reported that in April, drone production volumes in Russia increased by 117% compared to the same period in 2025. Moscow's plans for 2026 include the release of 7.3 million FPV drones, as well as 7.8 million warheads for unmanned vehicles.

In addition, the aggressor country has significantly increased the production of "Shahed"-type drones. At the same time, a significant part of this "own production" still depends on components of Chinese origin. The destruction of logistics hubs, such as Donetsk Airport, becomes critically important to counter this technological influx.