Strana 19
In the port of Novorossiysk,
Ukrainian aerial drones struck
several Russian ships on Monday,
March 2. According to the
Ukrainian security service (SBU),
five vessels were damaged,
including the frigate Admiral
Essen, which now has a reduced
capability to launch Kalibr
missiles. Satellite imagery
confirms hits on ships, including
damage to at least one vessel’s
command bridge and electronic
systems, although the full extent
of damage is unclear.
On the night of March 13–14,
two ferries used to transport
military supplies to the port of
Kerch in Crimea were struck and
damaged in the Black Sea.
On Tuesday, March 17, the 123rd
aircraft repair plant in Staraya
Russa, nearly 1,000 km from
Ukraine’s borders, was hit. The
facility repairs aircraft such as
Il-76 transports and Beriev A-50
early warning aircraft. Three
large holes appeared in the roof
of a hangar used for Il-76 repairs,
though it is unclear whether any
aircraft were inside.
Toward the end of the period,
the Leningrad Oblast also
became a target. The oil terminal
at Ust-Luga was struck multiple
times, causing a major fire.
In the shipyards of Vyborg, the
patrol icebreaker Purga (Project
23550) was nearing completion.
After a strike, the vessel listed
to one side and partially sank.
Another notable incident
occurred far from both Ukraine
and Russia. In the Mediterranean
Sea between Malta and Libya, the
LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz—part
of Russia’s sanctioned shadow
fleet—exploded and caught
fire on March 3. It was likely
hit by Ukrainian naval drones
operating from the Libyan coast.
Libya reportedly allowed a small
flights with this configuration
have been underway for several
months. These include P1-SUN
interceptors from SkyFall, Sting
drones from the Ukrainian
company Dyki Sershni (“Wild
Hornets”), and American Merops
interceptors. This is a far cheaper
method of destroying drones than
using air-to-air missiles.
Ukraine’s offensive drone
capabilities have also significantly
increased. At the beginning of
the year, small drones could
operate up to 50 km from the
front line. During the observed
period, their range extended to
100 km, significantly disrupting
Russian frontline logistics. Long-
range drones can now strike
targets at distances of 1,600–1,700
km, threatening both Russia’s
economy and military bases deep
in the rear.
Launch of a P1-SUN interceptor from a hardpoint
under the wing of an Antonov An-28.
The fall and subsequent explosion of a Russian drone. Note the camouflage on the wing of the Yakovlev Yak-52.
The ex-Czech Mil Mi-24 is also highly effective in combating drones.
Fire at a Russian oil terminal in the port of Ust-Luga.
A former Polish
Mikoyan MiG-29
in Ukrainian service.
A Sting interceptor attacking a Russian
Shahed/Geran drone.
A Yakovlev Yak-52 fighting drones in a World War
I-style manner.
UKRAJINA
INFO Eduard
19
May 2026