Operation Citadel: Ukrainian Special Forces Seize Secret Russian Tech and Destroy Radar.

Operation Citadel

According to TSN.ua: In a complex five-hour mission conducted at -6°C, special operators from Ukraine's 73rd Maritime Center executed Operation Citadel. They successfully seized classified Russian military equipment and destroyed a "Neva-B" radar station. The assault required boarding a platform, which had been converted into a military outpost, from small boats in waves up to 1.8 meters high. This operation highlights Ukraine's capability to conduct high-risk missions against fortified Russian positions in the Black Sea region.

The captured equipment was located on the so-called "Boyka Towers," platforms Russia has occupied since 2014. Among the items destroyed were the Neva-B radar system, relay stations for Iranian-made Mohajer-6 drones, and components for Shahed drones. A powerful explosion triggered by the team caused a major fire on the platform, rendering the entire installation inoperable.

Preparation and Challenges

The operation demanded an exceptional level of skill, leading the unit to train on mock-ups for six weeks prior. One participant, Senior Lieutenant "Smola," noted the uncertainty they faced:

"We had no reliable intelligence on whether enemy forces were present. First, the control subgroup landed, followed by the breaching team. The noise of the sea essentially drowned out the sound of our outboard motors." - Senior Lieutenant "Smola"

Another team member, Junior Lieutenant "Zhuk," described the perilous boarding process: "We had to board the platform from a height of up to 1.8 meters. We waited for a wave to lift the boat, and at that exact moment, we jumped."

For their success, Senior Lieutenant "Smola" was awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, III Class, and Junior Lieutenant "Zhuk" received the Cross of the Special Operations Forces medal. This mission marks a significant step in countering Russian aggression and showcases the advanced capabilities of Ukrainian special forces. Such operations are critical for degrading enemy surveillance and attack capabilities while bolstering Ukraine's strategic position in the ongoing conflict.