Ukrainian forces struck a Russian electronic warfare system and an S-400 air defense system near Gelendzhik in the Krasnodar region, close to the complex known as 'Putin's Palace,' according to Ukrainian reports and satellite imagery. The EW system, a Volna Kopol Garnet, was hit on August 7, and the S-400 was damaged on the night of August 8-9. Military analyst Yan Matveyev assessed that the area may now lack air defense coverage, though Russian redeployments are possible.
Ukrainian forces conducted a two-day operation targeting Russian air defense systems near Gelendzhik in the Krasnodar region, close to the complex known as 'Putin's Palace,' Ukrainian reports and satellite imagery indicate. On August 7, a strike hit a Volna Kopol Garnet electronic warfare system stationed at military unit No. 2156. The system is designed to disrupt Starlink satellite communications and provide drone protection over approximately 20 square kilometers. Satellite images published after the attack purportedly confirm its destruction, according to the reports.
Two nights later, on August 8-9, an S-400 air defense system located about 500 meters from the destroyed EW system was struck. Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's unmanned systems forces (known as 'Madyar'), claimed the system was hit after it launched six rockets. Ukrainian sources and satellite imagery suggest at least one launcher was destroyed, with a fire lasting approximately three hours.
Military analyst Yan Matveyev said the strikes suggest a systematic Ukrainian effort to first degrade the area's electronic warfare and air defense capabilities, thereby facilitating deeper drone penetrations. He assessed that the palace complex may now lack its intended protective layer. It remains unclear whether additional Russian systems have been redeployed to the area.
The operation is part of a broader pattern of Ukrainian long-range strikes against Russian air defense assets. As The Zioneer reported in July, Ukraine's HUR claimed a strike on an S-400 system in Crimea, and satellite imagery confirmed damage to launchers in other incidents.
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