Ukrainian drones have destroyed a Russian S-400 air-defence system deployed near a sprawling Black Sea residence associated with President Vladimir Putin, according to reports, potentially weakening a key layer of protection around the heavily guarded compound. The S-400 Triumf launcher was stationed about 12 miles from the residence near Gelendzhik in southern Russia. The sophisticated system is designed to detect and intercept aircraft, drones and cruise missiles. Major Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, said the launcher caught fire after being struck by a Ukrainian drone and continued burning for around three hours.
The S-400 was reportedly part of an extensive security network established around the Black Sea compound. Apart from surface-to-air missile systems, electronic warfare equipment and mobile fire teams have been deployed in the area. The residence is also surrounded by a roughly 27-square-mile buffer zone, while a permanent no-fly zone has been imposed over the site.
Brovdi claimed that the S-400 launcher targeted by Ukraine was not being used solely for defensive purposes. According to him, the system had also been repurposed to launch missiles against Ukrainian cities and had fired six missiles on August 8 before being struck. Reports suggest Ukraine has been systematically targeting Russian electronic warfare and air-defence assets around Gelendzhik. An electronic warfare system in the region was reportedly destroyed days before the latest strike, potentially making it easier for Ukrainian drones to penetrate Russian defences.
The vast estate overlooking the Black Sea has long been linked to Putin, although the Russian President has denied owning the property. The compound attracted international attention after late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's team released an investigation into it in 2021. The estate has been estimated to be worth more than $1 billion, or around Rs 13,000 crore at current valuations cited in reports. The property reportedly stretches across nearly 190,000 square feet and includes extravagant facilities such as a theatre, casino, ice hockey rink and extensive grounds. It also has its own security infrastructure and restricted access around the site.
The latest strike comes as Ukraine steps up long-range attacks against Russian military infrastructure around the Black Sea. Kyiv has increasingly relied on domestically developed drones to reach targets deep inside Russian territory. In a separate major overnight operation, Ukrainian forces also attacked Russia's Black Sea naval stronghold at Novorossiysk, damaging port infrastructure, air defences and piers, according to Ukrainian officials. The wider assault also targeted areas around Anapa and Gelendzhik. The destruction of air-defence assets near Gelendzhik could leave strategically important Russian facilities in the area more exposed to future Ukrainian drone attacks as the two sides intensify their long-range campaigns.