The “Precision” Raid Hits the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade’s Headquarters in Belaya
The Krakow Post
For the second time in two weeks, Ukrainian forces have dealt a significant blow to the Russian 810th Naval Infantry Brigade. The latest precision raid targeted the brigade’s headquarters in Belaya on Tuesday, according to reports from the Ukrainian general staff in Kyiv. The extent of the damage and the casualties inflicted remain unclear, but the attack underscores the vulnerability of Russian forces operating in the region.
Belaya, located just 20 miles east of Sudzha, is strategically significant. The area forms part of the 250-square-mile salient that Ukrainian troops carved out of Kursk Oblast in August. The proximity to the front lines makes it likely that Ukrainian forces used one of their numerous long-range weapon systems to carry out the strike. However, it is still unknown which specific munitions were employed.
Ukraine now possesses a wide array of deep-strike capabilities, thanks to Western military support. U.S.-made High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) can fire guided rockets and Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) ballistic missiles, both of which are capable of precision strikes at long range. Additionally, Ukrainian warplanes could have used American or French glide bombs, or French and British cruise missiles, to hit the target. Heavy attack drones are another viable option for such operations.
The repeated targeting of the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade highlights the precision and effectiveness of Ukraine’s deep-strike weaponry. It also emphasizes Ukraine’s strategy of targeting high-value command-and-control nodes to disrupt Russian military operations.
The 810th Naval Infantry Brigade has suffered disproportionately from Ukrainian strikes in recent months. On Christmas Day, Ukrainian forces hit another of the brigade’s headquarters in Lgov, located 25 miles north of Sudzha. The Ukrainian Centre for Strategic Communications described that strike as creating a “fiery impression.”
Following the Christmas Day raid, the 810th Brigade was rotated off the front line on the northwest edge of the Kursk salient. The unit relocated to Plekhove, just east of the salient, for a brief period of rest. However, it appears that their respite was short-lived.
The brigade, which once numbered around 2,500 personnel, has been heavily depleted. Alongside its sister unit, the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade, the 810th has borne the brunt of Russia’s counteroffensive in Kursk Oblast. Both units have been involved in a series of costly and mostly unsuccessful assaults on the Ukrainian-held salient.
Despite their recent setbacks, the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade continues to be thrown into action. Today, Ukrainian troops reportedly repelled another assault by the brigade around Pogrebki. The Ukrainian Centre for Defence Strategies noted that Russian forces have launched repeated attacks on Pogrebki, deploying at least two 400-person battalions since November. However, these efforts have yielded little more than mounting casualties.
The continued failures of the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade illustrate the growing challenges facing Russian forces in Ukraine. As Kyiv’s forces demonstrate their ability to strike deep into Russian-held territory, the effectiveness of Russia’s counteroffensive operations remains in serious doubt. The repeated destruction of brigade headquarters also raises questions about the morale and operational readiness of Russian units tasked with holding the line in Kursk Oblast.
As the war enters its 35th month, Ukraine’s strategy of targeting critical infrastructure and command centres appears to be paying off. The latest strike on the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade’s headquarters in Belaya is yet another example of Kyiv’s ability to disrupt and degrade Russian military operations through precise and well-coordinated attacks.
