Ukrainian drone units, led by the “Lasar” group, destroyed 171 Russian artillery pieces over a two-day period in June using a newly developed, specialized anti-artillery munition. According to Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, this surge is part of a broader, multi-phase effort dubbed “Operation Ashan,” which saw 1,180 total targets struck by drones over five days, aimed at forcing the withdrawal of heavy Russian armor.
How the Lasar Group Achieved Artillery Losses
The Lasar group, founded by television producer Pavlo Elizarov, utilized a fleet of over 800 drones across the eastern and southern fronts to execute their mission. Data provided by the group indicates that 231 enemy artillery pieces were targeted, resulting in 171 confirmed destructions. This volume of loss is equivalent to roughly three full artillery brigades or 10 to 14 artillery battalions.
The operation relied on extensive intelligence gathering. Lasar analysts collaborated with multiple units to sift through vast amounts of surveillance data, pinpointing camouflaged and fortified howitzer positions. Published drone footage shows quadcopters flying directly over the barrels of stationary artillery before triggering precision explosions at the sites.
The Lasar group has been credited by Kyiv authorities with the destruction of Russian military equipment valued at approximately $15 billion.
Comparing Drone Effectiveness Against Traditional Artillery
The scale of the Lasar group’s success stands out when compared to broader monthly averages. While Ukrainian forces collectively confirmed the destruction of 61 artillery pieces across 16 top units for the entire month of June, the Lasar group claimed 171 in just two days. Ukrainian officials typically only confirm a “destroyed” status once video evidence of the strike has been verified by analysts.
According to Minister Fedorov, the impact of these strikes is critical because artillery fire accounts for 10% to 20% of all Ukrainian battlefield casualties. The transition to specialized anti-artillery payloads is a direct response to the high density of Russian fire support. By targeting the source of this incoming fire, Ukraine aims to disrupt the offensive capabilities of Russian mechanized units.
What Is Operation Ashan?
Operation Ashan represents a multi-phase campaign to neutralize Russian heavy weaponry. During the first stage, which occurred in 2025, Ukrainian drones attacked 980 Russian targets within a three-day window. The primary objective of this phase was to force the Kremlin to pull back its heavy armor from active mechanized offensives.
The second stage of the operation introduced the new, specialized munition designed specifically for artillery suppression. Minister Fedorov noted that this payload provides a significant upgrade in lethality compared to standard munitions. The combined effort of both stages resulted in 1,180 confirmed hits in five days, marking a high-intensity shift in how drone warfare is being applied to conventional artillery duels.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does Ukraine verify the destruction of artillery?
Ukrainian units typically confirm destruction only after drone footage of the attack is reviewed and verified by intelligence analysts. - What is the primary goal of Operation Ashan?
The operation aims to neutralize Russian artillery and force the withdrawal of heavy armor from active frontline offensives. - How many drones were used in the Lasar group’s June operation?
The Lasar group reported using over 800 drones across the southern and eastern fronts during the two-day mission.
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