Ukrainian drones target Russia's vital space intelligence unit
On May 1, in the Stavropol Krai, a Russian space intelligence facility, codenamed "Star," was hit during a nighttime attack by Ukrainian drones. Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, disclosed this information.
On his Telegram channel, Kovalenko reported that unidentified drones successfully targeted a military unit linked to Russian space intelligence, describing it as a key station within the country's radio-electronic surveillance network. He noted that the "Star" facility plays a role in Russia's strategic intelligence infrastructure, contributing both to monitoring combat zone developments and engaging in cyber-espionage activities.
Ukraine strikes "Star"
The facility was created in the early 70s for intercepting satellite signals among other functions. At "Star," which is affiliated with the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU), they also analyze "space information" and observe signals from orbit and foreign satellites, as noted by Kovalenko.
"Star" and military unit no. 33443 of special purpose, part of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Federation, is located near the village of Moskowskoye in the Izobilnensky district of the Stavropol Krai. The fall of "drone fragments" in this area on the morning of May 1 was reported by the head of the Stavropol Krai, Vladimir Vladimirov. He did not mention a strike on military objects, noting that no one was injured in the attack.
At least one drone hit?
According to the Ukrainian channel Exilenova, three Ukrainian drones participated in the attack on "Star." At least one reached its target, and there is no information about the other two. None of the sources has specified the nature and scale of the station's damage so far. The report by the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation also did not mention the destruction of drones in the Stavropol Krai.
Drones attacked the "Star" facility on July 3, 2024. As reported by Astra, one of the drones exploded on the military unit's premises, injuring a Russian soldier.
