The strike was reportedly aimed at a “Voronezh M” radar located near Orsk in the Orenburg region, approximately 1,800 km from the nearest Ukrainian-held territory.
A Kyiv intelligence source confirmed an earlier Ukrainian drone attack targeting “Voronezh DM” radar. Satellite imagery cited by the Russian service of U.S. media outlet RFE/RL revealed damage at the site.
The source added that both radars provide long-distance monitoring of aircraft and ballistic missiles and are vital to Russia’s missile defense.
Speaking to news outlet Ukrainska Pravda, the source said: “A Ukrainian drone has covered a distance of more than 1,800 kilometers to the enemy's facility, setting a record for the range of destruction for kamikaze drones.”
Thord Are Iversen, an independent defense analyst and former Norwegian Navy officer, explained that these radars are integral to Russia’s ballistic missile early warning system, crucial for detecting and tracking intercontinental ballistic missiles and identifying potential nuclear attacks. They also serve secondary functions, such as space tracking.
Asked why the radars were targeted, the Kyiv source said: “They monitor the actions of the Ukrainian security and defense forces in the south of Ukraine.”
Earlier this month, Ukrainian intelligence sources claimed responsibility for their then-longest-range drone attack, which targeted an oil processing plant in Russia’s Bashkiria region, also at a distance of 1,500 km.
Russia claims Putin’s villa under attack
In a similar attack, the Russian government reported Ukrainian drone strikes on Sunday night targeting areas in Gelendzhik, Krasnodar territory, near President Vladimir Putin’s estate.
Media reports have identified an estate and palace near Dzhanhot on Cape Idokopas as being linked to President Putin.
With Russia’s invasion now in its third year, Kyiv has increasingly relied on long-range drones to target Russian military and energy targets, in particular oil refineries, in recent months.
As the conflict continues, Ukraine has increasingly utilized long-range drones to strike Russian military and energy infrastructure, including oil refineries.
In retaliation for these attacks, Russia has conducted long-range strikes on Ukraine, targeting the country’s energy systems.
