Over 18 Days, Drone Forces Strike 83 Russian Energy Hubs

Operation 'Crimea Power Switch Off'

According to ХВИЛЯ: Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) have been running a campaign called 'Crimea Power Switch Off.' Between July 1 and July 18, 2023, they hit 83 enemy energy nodes across occupied territories, including Crimea, Luhansk Oblast, Donetsk Oblast, and Kherson Oblast. In the last 72 hours alone, 12 more energy hubs were taken out.

The targeted sites include:

• the 110 kV Koktebel and Kerch substations,
• the Kuban-Crimea power transfer point in Hlazivka,
• the 220 kV Azov substation in Mariupol,
• the Kamysh-Burun facility in Kerch, and the Chornomorska substation on the peninsula.

These targets were located not only in Crimea but also in Luhansk, Donetsk, and Kherson regions.

Several units took part in the operation, including:

• the 1st Separate Center,
• the 413th Raid Regiment,
• the 414th Madar Birds Brigade,
• the Kairos and Wormbusters battalions,
• the 20th K-2 Brigade, and the Phoenix group.

That same night, drones also struck 13 vessels from Russia's shadow fleet. The General Staff additionally reported attacks on an oil depot near Moscow and the Svetlyak patrol ship in Kerch.

“83 candles of Ilyich over July 1-18,” noted Robert Madar Brovdi, commenting on the operation's results.

He also emphasized: “We will stand firm. Moscow will fall. We will feed and rebuild Crimea.”

Why This Operation Matters

The 'Crimea Power Switch Off' campaign marks a key phase in the ongoing military actions on Ukrainian territory. Hitting these energy nodes can severely disrupt the power infrastructure in occupied regions, limiting the enemy's capabilities. It also highlights the growing use of drone technology in warfare, which is reshaping the tactical landscape of the conflict.

Given the operation's results and military commentary, further intensification of strikes on critical infrastructure targets is likely. This will become an important element in the strategy to counter aggression. Maintaining morale and readiness among Ukrainian forces for sustained frontline operations remains equally crucial.

As the conflict evolves, recent drone strikes have further demonstrated the effectiveness of unmanned systems in targeting critical infrastructure. In a related incident, Ukrainian drones successfully targeted five power substations and a gas facility in Crimea, highlighting the ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian logistics and energy supplies. This pattern of attacks underscores the strategic importance of such operations in the broader context of military engagements in the region.