Ukraine Destroys Rare Russian 'ZooPark' Radar, Inflicting $28 Million in Damages Overnight

In the night from April 4 to 5, 2025, Ukrainian border guards delivered a serious blow to Russian military positions, destroying equipment worth a total of $28 million. Among the destroyed items were three multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), as well as a rare 'ZooPark' radar, located near Huliaipole in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Huliaipole, the birthplace of the famous Ukrainian anarchist Nestor Makhno, is situated approximately 87 kilometers east of Zaporizhzhia. Analysts warn that the fall of this city could open the path to the regional center. According to open-source data, such as the DeepState combat map, Russian troops have advanced since the end of 2025 and currently control a significant portion of the city.

According to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGSU), pilots from the 'Phoenix' unit identified and struck three MLRS in the early hours of Sunday, April 5. Among them were two BM-21 'Grad' systems and one BM-27 'Uragan'.

The BM-21 'Grad' is a self-propelled 122mm MLRS developed in the Soviet Union during the 1960s. One BM-21 unit can quickly launch up to 40 rockets from a vehicle platform. The BM-27 'Uragan' is a Soviet 220mm self-propelled MLRS primarily used for deploying cluster munitions, with a maximum effective range of up to 500 kilometers.

In addition to the MLRS, Ukrainian forces also destroyed the Russian radar system 'ZooPark'. According to the SBGSU, the 'ZooPark' is an extremely rare and strategic target, with only about 15 units of such radars destroyed since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

The 'ZooPark-1' radar is designed for counter-battery operations, detecting mortar shells at distances of up to 20 kilometers, artillery shells at distances of up to 30 kilometers, and anti-aircraft missiles at distances of up to 50 kilometers, accurately determining their launch points. One 'ZooPark-1' unit is estimated to be worth several million dollars, making it a highly valuable asset for Russian forces.

This successful operation by the Ukrainian border guards underscores the continuation of active combat operations in eastern Ukraine, where the situation remains tense. Given the strategic importance of Huliaipole, Ukrainian forces continue to take measures to eliminate enemy weaponry and strengthen their positions in the region.

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