Burnt-out wreck: Ukraine destroys Smerch rocket artillery system that terrorised Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts – video

What Happened

Lasar's Group, a special forces unit within Ukraine's National Guard, said it destroyed a Russian BM-30 Smerch multiple-launch rocket system and its transporter-loader vehicle in the Russian forces' rear in Kherson Oblast. According to the unit, its intelligence analysts studied Russian firing activity in the sector, aerial reconnaissance crews located the system in a shelter about 60 km from the line of contact, and bomber drone crews then launched precision strikes that left both vehicles as burnt-out wrecks. Lasar's Group stated the system had been used to target civilians in Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts. The claim was published via Ukrainska Pravda and accompanied by video; independent verification was not provided.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The reported destruction of a BM-30 Smerch MLRS and its loader about 60 km behind the line of contact highlights Ukraine's ability to locate and strike high-value artillery deep in Russian-controlled rear areas using special forces and drone teams. If verified, it removes a long-range system that Lasar's Group says had been striking civilian areas in Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts, potentially easing pressure on those regions and demonstrating continued Ukrainian precision-strike capability despite the static frontline.

Watch For

Watch for further video or photographic evidence from Lasar's Group or independent open-source analysts confirming the strike and the destruction of the Smerch system. Monitor Russian military statements or loss reports for any acknowledgement of the destroyed MLRS. Also track whether Ukrainian officials report reduced Russian shelling of Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts in the following weeks, and whether similar deep strikes against Russian artillery in Kherson Oblast are claimed by Ukrainian special forces or drone units.