Ukrainian Drones Destroy 13 Russian Tanks, Over 100 Armored Vehicles in Southern Train Attack

Ukrainian forces successfully targeted a Russian military train in occupied southern Ukraine in early June 2025, utilizing drones to destroy 13 tanks and more than 100 additional armored vehicles and equipment. The attack, which struck a critical logistics artery, was reported by the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine and widely circulated in social media reports, including a tweet by Igor Sushko. This incident marks a significant blow to Russia's military supply capabilities in the region.

The precise details of the operation indicate that drones, reportedly launched from "grain train car hatches," engaged the military echelon as it transported heavy equipment. While the "grain car hatches" detail has been attributed to speculative Russian Telegram channels lamenting the losses, Ukrainian sources confirmed the destruction of the locomotive and the substantial military hardware it carried. The attack underscores Ukraine's continued focus on disrupting Russian logistical networks.

This strike represents a tactical gain for Ukraine, directly impacting Moscow's ability to quickly reinforce front-line positions and sustain its forces. The loss of such a large quantity of armored vehicles, including tanks, further strains Russia's military resources, particularly given the challenges in replacing lost equipment. Targeting railway infrastructure and military transport trains has been a consistent element of Ukraine's strategy to degrade Russian combat effectiveness.

The incident is part of a broader pattern of sophisticated drone operations conducted by Ukraine deep within Russian-controlled territory and against Russian assets. Recent months have seen an increase in the range and precision of Ukrainian drone attacks, demonstrating an evolving capability to strike high-value targets. These operations aim to create significant strategic and psychological pressure, highlighting vulnerabilities in Russian defenses and logistics.