Ukraine Says It Hit Russian Orion Drone Control Station in Crimea

Ukrainian forces struck a Russian Orion drone control station at Saki airfield in occupied Crimea, a drone launch site near Donetsk and two military depots in the Luhansk region, Ukraine’s General Staff said. According to a statement published by the General Staff, the strikes were carried out on Thursday, Sept. 17, and overnight into Friday, Sept. 18.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. The General Staff said the control station was at Saki airfield near Novofedorivka. The Orion, also known as Inokhodets, is a Russian medium-altitude, long-endurance reconnaissance and strike drone. It can reportedly remain airborne for up to 24 hours, conduct optical and electronic reconnaissance, and designate targets from altitudes of up to 7.5 kilometers (24,600 feet). The drone can also carry guided missiles and bombs with a combined weight of approximately 200 to 250 kilograms (440 to 550 pounds). The General Staff said damaging the ground control station could significantly restrict Russia’s ability to operate Orion systems in that area. Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian military and energy infrastructure in occupied Crimea, which Moscow uses as a base for operations against Ukraine. Drone launch site and depots also struck Ukrainian forces also hit a facility near Donetsk used to store, prepare and launch Russian attack drones, according to the General Staff. In the Luhansk region, the General Staff reported strikes on an ammunition depot near Dovzhansk and a military supply depot near Kypuche. Other Topics of Interest Lithuania Prepares Vilnius Evacuation Routes in Case of Military Threat Vilnius’s evacuation plan includes a route to Poland. Authorities say residents should take shelter, not attempt to leave, if an attack is underway. The General Staff did not disclose the weapons used, Russian casualties or the extent of damage. “Work against key military targets of the enemy continues,” the General Staff said. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.