Ukraine’s military carried out a strike on a base used by Russia’s elite “BARS-Sarmat” special forces on January 29, using five attack drones near the settlement of Kyrylivka in the Zaporizhzhia region, according to RIA Pivden, which cited the “Spy Dossier” channel run by a representative of Russia’s security services. The base was “devastated,” with 14 Russian personnel put out of action - two killed and 12 wounded, the outlet reported.
The target was located at ul. Kosa Peresyp, 211; Google Maps shows several other resort facilities nearby.
“BARS-Sarmat” is linked to former Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin, who is described as the unit’s curator. Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate says the formation was created in 2024 on Russian-occupied territory in the Zaporizhzhia region, with elements also operating in the Kherson region.
Separately, Ukraine conducted another strike near Kyrylivka on January 29. Drones from the 414th Separate Brigade of Unmanned Systems, known as “Ptakhy Madyara,” hit depots used by Russia’s 76th Air Assault Division, according to reports.
This is not the first time Ukrainian forces have targeted Russian special forces bases. Drones from the 1st Special Purpose Unmanned Center on December 26, 2025, set fire to the command post of Russia’s 14th GRU Brigade.
