On the Pokrovsk direction, Russian forces regularly use multiple rocket launcher systems (MRLS) to strike positions of the Ukrainian forces. However, due to the Lasar’s Group of the National Guard, Russia's capabilities have been significantly reduced. During a recent operation, they destroyed an entire BM-21 “Grad” battalion.
The Russian equipment was located within the 7th Air Assault Corps's area of responsibility. Lasar’s Group, together with the 2nd Battalion “Shchedryk” of the 411th Separate Combat Support Regiment “Yastruby", conducted analytical work, after which scouts provided precise coordinates of the MRLS positions.
Drones hit guts of Russian firepower
Drones from the “Lazars” were promptly dispatched to target the rocket systems. Six BM-21 “Grad” units were destroyed in the operation, representing a full battalion.
Each BM-21 launcher consists of 40 tubes mounted on a high-mobility truck, allowing rapid deployment. The “Grad” can fire a full salvo in less than 20 seconds, covering several hectares. Its range is approximately 20 km for standard rockets and over 40 km for modernized versions, using high-explosive, cluster, and incendiary munitions.
Lost rockets and reduced pressure
Although BM-21 rockets do not target specific positions but instead affect large areas, the carefully planned actions of Lasar’s Group and the “Shchedryk” battalion significantly reduced Russian fire pressure on Ukrainian positions.
According to the OSINT project Oryx, as of March 2026, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have destroyed at least 264 Russian BM-21 “Grad” systems, with at least 22 units damaged and 36 captured as trophies.
Earlier, Ukrainian partisans from the ATESH movement disabled a locomotive in front of Russia's nose in occupied Simferopol in Crimea, effectively blocking the supply of Russian troops on the Zaporizhzhia axis. It cannot be quickly restored.
The operation took place on the eve of 18 March, a date Russia marks as the “reunification day” of Crimea.
