Ukraine's "Middle Strike" Campaign: Degrading Russian Logistics

In June 2024 alone, the campaign destroyed hundreds of fuel trucks and disrupted Russian military supply chains across an area roughly the size of Belgium.

Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) are conducting a sustained air bombardment operation targeting Russian military logistics at medium ranges from the front lines. The declared objective: degrade Russian supply chains and logistics links connecting occupied Crimea to mainland Ukraine.

The Forces Behind the Campaign

Approximately 10 of Ukraine's most experienced USF units are carrying out the strikes. Each unit typically comprises 300–500 personnel and can deploy up to 30–40 kamikaze attack aircraft and a smaller number of reconnaissance drones in a single strike package. The total force mobilized is estimated at 5,000–8,000 service personnel.

An estimated 250,000–300,000 Russian ground forces occupying Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk, and Crimea regions depend on supply lines now under attack.

Key Units in the Campaign

1st Separate Center USF

Specializes in strikes on high-value targets such as air defenses, command posts, fuel and logistics sites, and rail infrastructure. Founded in 2022 by Ukrainian special operations veterans, by 2023 it became a premier medium- and long-range strike unit.

Notable operation: Hit Russia's Morozovsk airfield on June 13, 2024, damaging 3–5 Russian strike aircraft on the ground. Credited with demolishing Russian air defenses in territories now under attack by other drone units.

414th Brigade "Ptakhi Madyara" (Madyar's Birds)

Became the world's first military drone battalion in January 2024. Commander Robert "Madyar" Brovdi was appointed head of the USF in June 2025. Two sub-units—Kairos and Wormbusters—are at the forefront of the campaign.

Flies mid-range logistics-interdiction and air-defense suppression missions in Donetsk region. In June, hit headquarters, locomotives, and freight vehicles. Over the past six months, conducted many missions against Russian air defenses, missile launchers, and oil depots in Crimea.

Operates in Donetsk region, particularly around Mariupol. Published videos show attacks on logistics hubs and freight vehicles, especially along the H-20 Donetsk-Mariupol highway.

20th Brigade "K-2"

Predates Russia's 2022 invasion. Founded by AFU officer Kryrylo Veres. A founding member of the USF, it has flown anti-logistics missions over northern Crimea and areas around Horlivka and Yenakiiev in Donetsk.

412th Brigade "Nemesis"

Founded autumn 2023 by civilian volunteers with past military experience. A pioneer in bomber drone operations, currently most visible along the M-14/R-280 "Novorossiya" route (Mariupol-Crimea highway).

413th Brigade "Raid"

Specializes in long-range strikes on Russian deep rear areas, particularly energy infrastructure. In the current campaign, focused on drone warehouses and air defenses near Berdyansk and Mariupol, plus missions in Zaporizhzhia region.

422nd Regiment "Luftwaffe"

Evolved from a scout unit assigned to a tank brigade. Specializes in night bombing. Between March and June, shifted to long-range strikes against Russian air defenses. In late May and June, posted videos of strikes on fuel and freight trucks in Zaporizhzhia region.

41st Regiment "Pilum"

An organic drone unit of the 1st Azov Corps, National Guard. In April, ordered to patrol over Mariupol. By early June, announced “permanent fire control” on main highways around the city. Also carried out attacks on bridges connecting Crimea to Zaporizhzhia region.

475th Separate Assault Regiment "Code 9.2"

Formed in 2022 as part of the 92nd Mechanized (later Assault) Brigade. Specialist in combining ground operations with tactical drones. In early June, led attacks on bridges and causeways between Crimea and occupied mainland Ukraine, using mixed strike packages of FP-2 and Begemot drones. Freight and fuel trucks stopped due to road and bridge breaks.

Background

The campaign began with objectives to degrade Russian supplies to the front line and break logistics links between occupied Crimea and mainland Ukraine. USF information outlets have documented hundreds of geolocated strikes concentrated in occupied southern Ukraine.