Ukrainian uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) have struck a headquarters of Russia’s 14th Special Forces Brigade of the GRU near Mariupol, causing heavy casualties among Russian forces, according to Ukrainian military officials.
Night Strike on Occupied Territory
According to Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF), the operation was carried out overnight on December 25–26 in the settlement of Berdyanske, located in temporarily occupied Donetsk region.
At least 51 Russian troops were killed and 76 wounded, while operational intelligence later confirmed that more than 120 special forces operatives were eliminated or incapacitated during the coordinated strike.
Ukrainian Military Confirms Multiple Targets Hit
In a statement released on Telegram, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) confirmed that Ukrainian Defense Forces struck:
- A concentration of personnel from Russia’s 14th GRU Special Forces Brigade in Berdyanske
- A logistics depot of the 228th Motorized Rifle Regiment in the Starobeshevo area
Several logistical facilities and special forces positions were destroyed, significantly degrading Russian operational capabilities in the area.
Heavy Drones Target Russian Rocket Systems
During the operation, Russian Grad multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) were struck from above using heavy Vampire drones, commonly referred to as “Baba Yaga.”
Footage later released by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense shows MLRS launchers taking direct hits on their firing platforms, rendering them inoperable. Grad systems, capable of striking targets up to 20 kilometers, have been among Russia’s most frequently deployed weapons since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Confirmed Damage After the Strike
Ukrainian drone units conducted post-strike assessments using visual confirmation and ground intelligence. Additional damage was confirmed, including the destruction of a fuel and ammunition depot belonging to a separate Russian logistics brigade near Volnovakha, also in occupied Donetsk region.
Rise of Ukraine’s Drone Warfare Doctrine
Brovdi, a former conscript who rose rapidly through the ranks, was appointed commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces in June 2025, reflecting Ukraine’s increasing reliance on drone warfare.
Military analysts note that Ukraine’s drone units make up approximately 2% of personnel but account for nearly one-third of enemy casualties, highlighting their growing strategic importance.
Speaking recently at a NATO base in Germany, Brovdi stated that Ukrainian drone units are now prioritizing the targeting of enemy drone operators, whom he described as one of the most serious threats to Ukrainian frontline troops.
