Ukraine’s military intelligence service said its forces destroyed two helicopters and a naval tugboat in occupied Crimea, releasing video evidence of the attacks.
The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR) reported Monday that its “Prymary” unit struck Hvardiiske airbase near Simferopol and a vessel in Sevastopol Bay on Aug. 30. The footage, published Aug. 31, showed drones hitting aircraft and triggering fires across the airfield.
The agency reportedly carried out the attacks using upgraded RUBAKA and UJ-26 Bober drones.
At least two Mi-8 transport helicopters were destroyed, with an estimated combined value of $20–30 million. The strike also sank a tugboat, believed to be BUK-2190, which is part of Russia’s Underwater Sabotage Forces and Means.
GUR said the attacks reduced the operational capabilities of the elite unit, which relies on divers trained for reconnaissance and sabotage missions.
Prymary has previously destroyed S-400 and S-500 radars, a Buyan-M class corvette in the Sea of Azov, and the RT-70 radio telescope near Yevpatoria. Kyiv frames these operations as part of a broader effort to degrade Russia’s air defenses and force its forces to disperse.
