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Ukrainian Drones Target Supply Convoys, Turning Russian Rear Areas into New Frontlines

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Ukrainian forces are increasingly using mid-range drones to strike Russian supply lines and logistics hubs behind the front lines.
  • These strikes, extending tens to hundreds of kilometers from the front, have forced Russia to reroute supplies and bolster rear-area defenses.
  • Verified drone attack footage has surpassed 150 instances since early May, impacting key infrastructure like the Chongar Bridge and significantly reducing its cargo volume.

Ukraine's new generation of mid-range drones are proving effective in targeting Russian supply lines, bridges, and logistics nodes situated behind the southern front lines. These strikes, reaching dozens to hundreds of kilometers into Russian-occupied territory, are compelling Moscow to alter its supply routes and reinforce its rear-area transportation networks.

The Ukrainian army has been continuously using this type of drone in recent months to strike Russian supply lines and logistics nodes.

— CNNCNN's report on Ukraine's use of drones against Russian logistics.

Open-source intelligence analysts and investigative groups have verified at least 150 instances of drone attacks since early May. Ukraine is deploying domestic drones like the FP-2 and 'Behemoth,' the latter capable of carrying a 70-kilogram warhead at speeds up to 180 kilometers per hour. These operations are specifically aimed at disrupting critical supply routes, including those vital for maintaining Russian forces in Crimea.

This wave of drone attacks continues to threaten the vital supply lines to Crimea, increasing the difficulty of Russian transportation and logistical maintenance.

— Clément MolinClément Molin, an open-source intelligence analyst, on the impact of drone attacks on Russian logistics in Crimea.

The Chongar Bridge, a key transport link between Crimea and Russian-controlled areas, has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian drones in recent months. Drone commander Robert Brovdi reported that the bridge sustained multiple breaches, hindering vehicle traffic. Official Ukrainian data indicates a 71% drop in cargo volume across the bridge within a two-week period.

The bridge surface was blown with multiple holes, affecting vehicle traffic.

— Robert BrovdiUkrainian drone commander Robert Brovdi describing damage to the Chongar Bridge.

Despite these successes, Ukrainian officials acknowledge the need to adapt. Dmytro Filatov, commander of the 1st Separate Assault Regiment, noted that some Russian convoys, even after rerouting, continue to face drone and artillery attacks. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) cautions that Ukraine's current technological advantage may not be sustainable as Russian defenses evolve.

The cargo volume on the Chongar Bridge dropped by 71% in just two weeks.

— Ukrainian Official DataOfficial Ukrainian data illustrating the impact of attacks on the Chongar Bridge's cargo capacity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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