Ukrainian drone strikes destroy S-400 system near Gelendzhik

Ukrainian forces conducted a series of drone strikes in early August 2026 targeting military infrastructure near Gelendzhik, located approximately 19 kilometers from a luxury estate associated with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On August 7, an attack disabled the 'Volna Kupol Garant' electronic warfare system, which was designed to jam Starlink communications. A subsequent strike on August 9 targeted an S-400 air defense system and its launcher situated only 500 meters from the previous engagement site.

Major Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukrainian drone units, reported that the S-400 system fired six missiles before sustaining significant damage, resulting in fires and explosions that lasted for three hours. Satellite imagery analyzed by sources, including the Moscow Times, appears to corroborate the destruction of at least one launcher. The operation underscores the increasing ability of Ukrainian forces to penetrate deep into Russian territory to strike high-value military assets.