Ukrainian border guard drones from the Phoenix unit have destroyed a Russian BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system, a main battle tank, and up to 10 Russian soldiers in Donetsk Oblast. On 14 August, the State Border Guard Service released footage of the strikes, showing FPV drones hitting the targets with precision.

Phoenix unit hits Russian Grad, tank, infantry in Donetsk Oblast

According to the Border Guard Service, the operation targeted high-value Russian assets in the oblast. In addition to the Grad and the tank, the strikes destroyed a UAZ-452 “Bukhanka” van, a Ural military truck, other vehicles, several motorcycles used for troop movement, and fortified positions.

The released video shows FPV drones striking Russian soldiers, on foot and vehicles, the Grad launcher on the move, and the tank — the latter positioned inside a building at the moment of impact.

Around 10 Russian soldiers killed

Preliminary assessments by the Border Guard Service suggest the operation eliminated about ten Russian soldiers. 

Phoenix

Defense Express, commenting on the released video, reported that the border guard pilots used unmanned aerial systems capable of both reconnaissance and precision strikes, allowing the unit to operate deep inside contested areas while minimizing exposure to Russian air defenses.