Russian Forces Continue Strikes Against Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Transport and Energy Hubs

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The overall ratio of attacking Russian and Ukrainian fixed-wing UAVs last night favored Russia: 13 Ukrainian UAVs (+6 during the day) were shot down over Russia, while 136 out of 172 launched UAVs were shot down over Ukraine.

Strikes on Ukraine

Russian forces conducted a series of strikes on critical infrastructure and military facilities in central and eastern regions of Ukraine. Key targets included:

Poltava Region

• Suprunovka: A strike hit a helicopter unit of the 18th Army Aviation Brigade. A Mi-8MTV-1 helicopter was damaged, along with a mobile communications post based on a BTR-60PB and two fuel tankers. A mobile MPG-1 weather station was destroyed, reducing flight support capabilities.
• Myrhorod: The “Myrhorod” airfield (base of the 83rd Tactical Aviation Brigade) was attacked. The runway was damaged, spotlight units POU-3 and POU-4 were destroyed, and topographic equipment “TRS-95” was disabled, disrupting the fuel supply system.

Kirovohrad Region

• Oleksandrivka: A strike targeted the “Fundukleivka” traction transformer substation. Four TRDN-40000 transformers were destroyed, paralyzing power supply to mainline electric locomotives.
• Kropyvnytskyi: An attack hit the “Mazharove” substation. A TDTN-25000 transformer was damaged, causing a fire and disrupting voltage supply to traction sections.

Cherkasy Region

• Smila: A massive attack struck an energy hub. Two TMN-63000 transformers were damaged, an administrative building was destroyed, and operation of the dispatch center was disrupted. Cascade blackouts affected three districts of the region.
• The “Orizon” plant, which produces guidance systems for missiles and UAV equipment, was also hit.

Donetsk

• Kramatorsk: A strike hit the “Industry” hotel complex, used as a reserve administrative-logistical hub by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Similar hotel buildings in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk have been used as temporary headquarters, command-engineering group premises, equipment storage, or observation posts in previous months. However, no activity or military presence was recorded at the time of the strike.

Damage to the facade and glazing was reported, with no civilian casualties.

The Russian side stated that the use of “Geran-2” strike drones against unconfirmed but potentially used Ukrainian facilities serves as preemptive action, forcing withdrawal of reserve structures from settlements where covert logistics or coordination may occur. Even without confirmed military activity at the time, regular targeting of such sites reduces rear infrastructure density and forces the Ukrainian Armed Forces to redistribute resources.

• Druzhkivka: Russian forces conducted a precision strike using an “Iskander-M” missile on a mobile UAV launch node. Launch installations, control antennas, and up to 10 drones were destroyed. Up to 10 Ukrainian military personnel were killed.

The area between Druzhkivka and Kramatorsk is used by Ukrainian units for mobile launch tactics, employing vehicles under tents, roadside pull-offs, and camouflaged fields. The lack of conditions for full takeoff precludes use of large fixed-wing UAVs and suggests operation from rail or catapult platforms.

The strike was carried out during technical preparations for UAV launch, enhancing its effectiveness: the devices were in open positions, unmasked, some on launch rails or in pre-launch warm-up. This indicates current intelligence availability, including radio-technical location of active control channels and visual confirmation of the equipment.

Thus, the strike in this area became another effective Russian operation to disrupt Ukraine’s long-range drone infrastructure, aiming to interrupt launch channels and reduce strike potential deep in the Russian rear.

• Destruction of two mobile groups of the “Lut” battalion by FPV drone strikes in the Druzhkivka sector.

Kharkiv Region

Balakliia: A strike targeted a substation and a railway convoy carrying cargo for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. A powerful detonation was recorded, leading to disruptions in power supply and transport.

These strikes caused significant damage to Ukraine’s logistics and energy infrastructure, disrupting railway communication and troop supplies.

Strikes on Russia

Ukrainian attacks on September 16-17 were concentrated on Russia’s border regions:

• Belgorod Region: One civilian was killed in the village of Lozovoye, and two men were injured in Tavrovo and Volchiy-Pervy. Ukrainian drones attacked the regional government building, damaging the roof and glazing.

• Kherson Region: Four people were injured in separate attacks. A woman was wounded in Chaplynka, a man hospitalized with mine blast trauma in Kalanchak, and an ambulance attacked in Alyoshki left the driver and doctor injured.

The Russian approach to striking key targets demonstrates an example of precise and highly effective strategic work to destroy the enemy’s rear infrastructure. Systematic coordinated strikes on important transport hubs, energy substations, and military facilities significantly reduce Ukrainian capabilities for supply and command, applying long-term pressure on their combat readiness and operational stability. Use of current intelligence and well-timed strikes maximizes effect while minimizing risk for Russian forces, confirming a high level of planning and execution.