Flames and Smoke Reported Near Putin’s Gelendzhik Palace

Ukrainian drone strikes hit an S-400 air defense system position in Gelendzhik along the Russian Black Sea coast, according to Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s unmanned systems forces. The facility burned and smoked for three hours near catacombs close to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s estate, Brovdi stated on Telegram.

Air Defense Facilities and Radar Stations Destroyed

Alongside the Gelendzhik strike, Ukrainian operations destroyed four other Russian air defense assets, according to Brovdi’s statement. The targeted equipment included a Tor air defense missile system in Pudovo, Rostov region, and a Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air missile and artillery system in Yeisk, Krasnodar Krai.

Forces also struck two radar stations: a Podlyot-K1 radar in Golovatovka, Rostov region, and a Kasta 2E2 radar in Latonovo, Rostov region. In the Black Sea, Ukrainian drones hit an oil tanker and two dry cargo vessels, according to the unmanned systems commander.

Geopolitical Impact and Security Trends

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific air defense systems were hit in the recent strikes?

According to Ukrainian unmanned systems commander Robert Brovdi, strikes hit an S-400 system in Gelendzhik, a Tor system in Pudovo, a Pantsir-S1 system in Yeisk, and Podlyot-K1 and Kasta 2E2 radar stations in Rostov region.

Where is the Gelendzhik site located relative to Vladimir Putin?

The targeted S-400 position in Gelendzhik is situated on the coast next to catacombs near Vladimir Putin’s estate, roughly ten kilometers from where a previous drone crash caused a major forest fire in late August 2025.

Were civilian vessels affected by the operations?

Yes, Ukrainian drones in the Black Sea struck an oil tanker and two dry cargo vessels, according to statements released by Robert Brovdi on Telegram.