Ukrainian military intelligence has released dramatic new video footage confirming the destruction of a Russian Mi-8 helicopter during a daring drone operation in occupied Crimea, marking another blow to Russia’s air and radar assets on the peninsula. The attack, which also targeted two additional Mi-8 helicopters and a Nebo-U air defense radar system, was revealed in a report issued on September 21, 2025, according to Ukrainian Defense Intelligence (HUR) and covered by multiple Ukrainian media outlets.
The operation was carried out by the HUR’s special forces unit known as Prymary, or the "Ghosts," who have gained a reputation for their precision strikes deep within Russian-controlled territory. In a statement, the agency said, "The Mi-8 helicopters and the Nebo-U radar in Crimea are the latest results of the Prymary unit’s raid." The HUR also shared a video and a photo showing the charred wreckage of one of the destroyed Mi-8 helicopters, calling the footage a "bonus shot."
According to Espreso TV and Militarnyi, the Nebo-U radar system, specifically the 55Zh6U model, is capable of detecting fighter-type targets flying at altitudes up to 20 kilometers and at distances of up to 400 kilometers. While it does not belong to any single missile system, the Nebo-U radar plays a pivotal role in Russia’s layered air defense network, transmitting crucial target data to command posts and helping orchestrate the broader defense of the occupied peninsula.
This latest strike is part of a sustained campaign by Ukrainian forces to degrade Russian military capabilities in Crimea, a region that has seen repeated attacks on its airfields and logistical hubs in recent months. Drone operators from both the HUR and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have managed to penetrate Russian air defenses multiple times, executing coordinated attacks that have damaged or destroyed a range of high-value targets.
In July and early August 2025, Ukrainian agencies struck the Saky airfield twice, damaging up to six Russian fighter jets in the process. These attacks demonstrated Ukraine’s growing ability to target and disrupt Russian air operations on the peninsula, and they were followed by additional strikes on other critical sites. At the Hvardiiske airbase, Mi-8 helicopters were damaged in separate drone raids, while at the Kirovske airfield, Ukrainian forces managed to hit Mi-8 transport helicopters, the larger Mi-26, and a Mi-28 attack helicopter. The impact of these attacks was later confirmed by satellite imagery, providing independent verification of the damage inflicted.
The Prymary unit’s recent operation in Crimea is only the latest in a series of bold actions aimed at undermining Russia’s military presence. At the end of August and into early September 2025, at least three missile strikes targeted key Russian military and logistical nodes, including a Black Sea Fleet communication hub, artillery warehouses belonging to the Russian Dnipro grouping, and facilities housing FSB hovercraft and barracks. At the beginning of September, Ukrainian jet-powered drones struck a space communication center, further degrading Russia’s ability to coordinate its forces and maintain secure lines of communication.
In addition to these high-profile strikes, Ukrainian loitering drones have repeatedly targeted electric substations that power Russian rail logistics in Crimea. These attacks are designed to disrupt the movement of troops, equipment, and supplies, complicating Russia’s efforts to reinforce its positions and maintain its grip on the strategically vital peninsula.
As reported by Espreso TV, over the day prior to the latest announcement, the occupying Russian army lost 1,010 soldiers in the ongoing war against Ukraine. The Ukrainian Defense Forces also destroyed dozens of Russian military vehicles and weapons in recent operations, underscoring the intensity and scale of the conflict as it drags into its third year.
The significance of the Nebo-U radar system’s destruction cannot be overstated. With its ability to detect targets at great distances and altitudes, the radar forms a key part of Russia’s early warning and air defense apparatus in Crimea. Its loss not only reduces Russia’s ability to respond to further Ukrainian air attacks but also signals a vulnerability in what was once considered an impregnable defensive network. As Militarnyi notes, the removal of such systems opens the skies for Ukrainian drones—like the Turkish-made Bayraktar—that have proven effective in previous operations.
Ukrainian officials have been quick to highlight the strategic impact of these operations. The HUR stated that the Russian air fleet in occupied Crimea "once again shrank" following the "successful combat work" of the Prymary unit. This trend, they argue, demonstrates Ukraine’s growing capacity to strike high-value targets and erode Russia’s ability to project power from the peninsula.
Observers note that the tempo of Ukrainian operations in Crimea has increased steadily since the start of the summer, with a series of well-coordinated drone and missile strikes targeting not just air assets but also command posts, barracks, depots, railway facilities, and satellite communication centers. Each successful raid further complicates Russia’s efforts to defend the peninsula, forcing it to divert resources and reconsider its defensive posture.
International analysts have pointed to these developments as evidence of Ukraine’s evolving military doctrine, which increasingly relies on asymmetric tactics and advanced drone technology to offset Russia’s numerical and material advantages. By striking deep into occupied territory and targeting the infrastructure that underpins Russia’s war effort, Ukraine hopes to weaken its adversary’s resolve and ultimately reclaim lost ground.
For residents of Crimea, these operations serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the risks associated with Russia’s continued occupation. While Russian authorities have sought to downplay the impact of Ukrainian attacks, the growing list of damaged and destroyed assets paints a different picture—one of mounting pressure and eroding control.
As the war grinds on, both sides are adapting their strategies and seeking new ways to gain the upper hand. For Ukraine, the ability to strike at the heart of Russia’s military infrastructure in Crimea represents a significant achievement, one that could have far-reaching implications for the broader conflict. Whether these operations will be enough to tip the balance remains to be seen, but for now, they offer a glimpse of what determined resistance—and a bit of ingenuity—can accomplish against the odds.
With the release of the latest footage and the confirmation of yet another successful raid, Ukraine’s message is clear: nowhere in occupied Crimea is beyond their reach, and the campaign to reclaim the peninsula is far from over.