Ukraine Strikes Drone Launch Sites in Crimea, Donetsk

The Ukrainian Defense Forces struck multiple Russian military targets on Aug. 28 and Aug. 29, including drone launch sites in occupied Donetsk and Crimea, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The military reported hitting storage, preparation, and launch facilities for attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near Donetsk and Gvardiyske in occupied Crimea.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Additional strikes targeted a Russian electronic warfare complex near Znamianka in Crimea and a UAV control point in Berestky in the Donetsk region. The General Staff noted that the exact extent of the damage to these facilities is still being assessed. Furthermore, following an analysis of additional data, the Ukrainian military confirmed the destruction of a Russian Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile system on Aug. 28 near Klintsy in Russia’s Bryansk region. Evolving drone tactics and deep strikes The latest operations follow a series of strikes utilizing FP-2 attack drones against Russian military targets deep inside Russia. On Aug. 25, independent open-source intelligence analysts reported that Ukrainian drones struck several radar stations, the Kamensky industrial plant, and the Millerovo airbase in Russia’s Rostov region. The strikes prompted analysis regarding how Ukrainian forces maintain drone connectivity in areas outside of Starlink coverage. Starlink connectivity generally enables Ukrainian drone operations across occupied territories and coastal areas, but is reportedly inactive deeper inside Russia. Other Topics of Interest Ukraine Hits Suspected Russian Army HQ in Apparent SCALP Strike Ukraine confirmed hits on two Russian command posts in occupied Donetsk. Debris points to SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles, while claims that a new US-made JDAM-LR was also used remain unconfirmed. French OSINT analyst Clément Molin and Russian military channels suggested that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are likely utilizing a mesh network of repeater drones to relay communications over longer distances. While the precise technology has not been independently verified, the expanding range of these video-feed drones marks a shift in operational capabilities. According to Molin, dozens of Ukrainian strikes in 2026 have systematically targeted Russian air-defense systems, radars, and aircraft, with more than 250 such assets reportedly damaged or destroyed this year. 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.