On March 18, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces reported a successful strike on a Russian special unit known as “Rubicon” located near Donetsk. This operation also targeted a coordination center for drone units, along with ammunition storage facilities and equipment in the village of Vilyne.
The Ukrainian military attributed the success of these strikes to the efforts of local resistance movements. However, there has been no response from Russian officials regarding these claims, and independent verification of the information provided by Ukraine remains unavailable.
The “Rubicon” center, focused on advanced drone technologies, was publicly acknowledged for the first time in October 2024, following an inspection by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. Prior to this visit, the center had not been mentioned in media or social networks. Official reports indicate that “Rubicon” was established under Belousov’s directive in August 2024, based on an existing Russian drone aviation unit, and had reportedly incapacitated over 400 units of weaponry within two months of its operation.
Ukrainian military analysts and international experts have characterized the “Rubicon” center as one of the most effective initiatives by the Russian Ministry of Defense in the deployment of combat drones. Reports from Radio Svoboda have detailed the leadership of “Rubicon,” its primary base location, and the involvement of pro-Kremlin media figures, such as Vladimir Solovyov, in identifying its whereabouts.
Ukrainian Special Operations Forces successfully targeted a Russian drone center near Donetsk, claiming significant operational impacts. The Russian side has yet to comment, and independent verification of the claims is pending.