Ukrainian Forces Use Drones to Destroy Russian Bridge in Historic Operation

Ukrainian Forces Use Drones to Destroy Russian Bridge in Historic Operation

First seen 9 Apr 2026, 09:01 UTC IndependentPravda.Ua 59.9

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Ukrainian troops successfully destroyed a strategically important bridge in Kherson Oblast using UK-made Malloy T-150 drones, marking the first known instance of a drone-led operation achieving such a feat. The mission, which took place in early 2025 but was only disclosed recently, involved a two-month campaign targeting the bridge, which was vital for Russian supply lines. Ukrainian forces had previously attempted to destroy the bridge using airstrikes and HIMARS missile systems without success. The 426th Unmanned Systems Regiment, led by Colonel Oleksii Bulakhov, conducted 30 missions, delivering 1.5 tonnes of explosives to compromise the bridge's structural integrity. A Russian serviceman's leaked photos of the bridge's internal structure provided crucial information for the operation. The final strike successfully brought the bridge down, significantly impacting Russian logistics in the region.

Key Points: • Ukrainian forces executed a drone-led operation to destroy a Russian-held bridge. • The operation involved 30 missions over two months, using 1.5 tonnes of explosives. • This marks the first known case of a drone operation leading to the destruction of a bridge in combat.

Timeline

2025-01-05
Ukrainian forces begin targeting the bridge with airstrikes.
2025-01-10
HIMARS missile systems used in attempts to destroy the bridge.
2025-02-01
Operation assigned to the 426th Unmanned Systems Regiment.
2025-03-01
Russian serviceman posts photos of the bridge's internal structure.
2025-03-10
Ukrainian forces conduct final missile strike, destroying the bridge.
2026-04-08
Independent reports on the operation, revealing details.
2026-04-09
Pravda.Ua publishes article confirming the operation.