Sunday, May 31, 2026 12:00:26 PM

Ukraine’s Third Assault Brigade announced it now controls Russian logistical routes in Luhansk via drone operations, reaching as far as 205 kilometers into occupied territory and up to the Izvaryne checkpoint on the Russian border.

The brigade said it launched an operation to dominate key supply lines used by Russian forces in occupied Luhansk region, utilizing strike drones from its unmanned systems battalion. The attacks targeted Russian armored vehicles and ammunition depots, reaching deep into the occupied region-right up to the Izvaryne border crossing with Russia.

According to the brigade, the strikes demonstrated that even the rear areas once considered safe by Russian forces in Luhansk are now vulnerable to attack.

Brigadier General Andriy Biletsky, commander of the Third Assault Brigade, said the operation was launched as a direct response to Russian claims of total control over the Luhansk region.

“Luhansk, Starobilsk, Alchevsk, Bryanka, and Kadiivka are now under the control of the Third Army Corps’ drones,” Biletsky stated.

The brigade specified that the operation was planned and led by a platoon commander with the callsign “Skhid,” a native of Luhansk. In 2022, he parachuted into besieged Mariupol and, after the city’s defense was over, managed to make his way to Ukrainian-held territory. For his actions, he was awarded the title Hero of Ukraine.

The main result of the operation, according to Ukrainian forces, is the expanded reach of Ukraine’s strike capability. While Russia may claim authority over Luhansk, its supply depots, vehicles, and routes can now be targeted by Ukrainian drones hundreds of kilometers behind the front lines.

Earlier, Ukrainian troops reportedly carried out an assault with an anti-tank guided missile system (ATGM), leaving no Russian troops alive.

(c)UNIAN 2026