Russian Soldiers in Mariupol Experience Sudden Weight Loss Courtesy of Ukrainian Drones (Video)

Ukrainian Drones Strike Occupier Base in Mariupol Region as Russian Forces Begin Withdrawal

In the early hours of 18 April, residents of the temporarily occupied Mariupol district awoke to the sound of explosions. It was soon revealed that Ukrainian drones had struck a Russian military base in the village of Mykilske (Nikolskoye). According to Petro Andryushchenko, head of the Centre for the Study of Occupation, the strike injured at least 10 Russian soldiers and damaged multiple vehicles, including three large military transporters.

This drone operation, reportedly the first in six months in the Mariupol region and the first in over a year in the Nikolskoye area, targeted a location long under surveillance by Ukrainian forces. Despite attempts by Russian troops to shoot down the drones, debris from the interception attempts fell and damaged several nearby private homes.

The base itself is situated next to a civilian ambulance station, which Russian forces have been using as a protective shield for years. Andryushchenko stated that this strike was only the beginning of a renewed Ukrainian effort. He also suggested that the mood among the Russian occupiers is low, with signs pointing to preparations for an evacuation and possible relocation of the base to another site nearby.

There is speculation that one of the intended targets was Oleksiy Klymenko, a known collaborator with Russian authorities. Klymenko, formerly the head of housing and architecture under the so-called administration of the occupied Volodarskyi district, is currently involved in forced mobilisation efforts in the area. He has been charged under part 5 of article 111-1 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code for collaborationism and has been summoned to court multiple times.

Andryushchenko confirmed that the strike narrowly missed Klymenko’s apartment, suggesting that Ukrainian forces are intensifying operations against collaborators and Russian logistics. “Unfortunately, no fatalities yet. But more to come,” he added and reiterated Ukraine’s determination to dismantle Russia’s illegal infrastructure in the occupied areas.