During the strike on a russian ammunition depot in the settlement of Toropets, 160,000 tons of ammunition reserves belonging to the russian invasion forces were destroyed. This was reported by the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk.
“Including 1/2 of all stocks of 120-mm shells, which, excuse me, are like ‘hot cakes’ for their troops,” Maliuk said, pointing out the demand for mortar ammunition on the war frontlines.
War News Hub reminds that this refers to the strike on the 107th Arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate (GRAU) of the russian Ministry of Defense in the fall of 2024 — one of russia’s key military stockpiles. Maliuk also stated that the strike triggered four recorded earthquakes. Also, satellite images taken afterward revealed craters visible from space.
“There are many, many such operations. Not only the SSU is working here, but also our colleagues from the DIU, SOF (Defense Intelligence of Ukraine and Special Operations Forces – ed.), the Unmanned Systems Forces, etc.,” Maliuk emphasized.
According to the SSU chief, since the beginning of the series of long-range strikes, a total of 48 targets on russian territory have been successfully hit. “These are ammunition depots, airfields with military aircraft, as well as the oil production and refining industry,” he specified.
War News Hub notes that Maliuk counts only confirmed successful strikes. The actual number of attacks launched is significantly higher, with many targets being struck multiple times throughout the campaign.
“During the three years of the war, we have gained invaluable combat experience. Speaking of the unmanned systems [forces], we work in the air, at sea, on the frontline, and beyond, in the russians’ rear. At one time, the President of Ukraine set a task and so we developed the appropriate methodology and tactics for using unmanned systems,” Maliuk stated.
He further explained that drone units are now categorized by their operational range: 0–20 km, 20–40 km, 40–80 km, 80–120 km, and 120+ km; the latter is essentially responsible for deep strikes into enemy territory. “For each distance, professional [drone] operators have been nurtured, and the necessary means are available.”