Ukraine Claim It Hit Three Russian Air Defence Systems in Crimea

Ukraine hits three Russian missile systems in Crimea, causing significant damage to air defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict.

Ukraine's military announced successful strikes on three Russian surface-to-air missile systems in Russian-occupied Crimea overnight. This marks the second reported attack on air defenses in the region this week.

The Ukrainian general staff confirmed that the strikes targeted an S-300 system and two advanced S-400 systems located near Belbek and Sevastopol. They reported that the attacks resulted in the destruction of two radars associated with the S-300 and S-400 complexes, while the status of the third radar is still being assessed. The general staff added that munitions at all three sites detonated due to the strikes.

In contrast, the Russian-installed governor of Sevastopol stated that air defenses had repelled the missile attack and that no damage had occurred. Local social media channels, however, were abuzz with reports of explosions across the Black Sea peninsula. Reuters noted that it could not independently verify these reports.

Earlier this week, on Monday, Ukraine reported hitting three air defense systems near Yevpatoriya and Chornomorske in Crimea, also damaging radars. These attacks are part of a broader strategy by Ukraine to target Russian military assets in the region, significantly impacting Moscow's naval capabilities in the Black Sea.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion began over two years ago, Ukraine has executed multiple air and naval strikes on Russian targets in Crimea. These actions have caused substantial damage to Russia's Black Sea fleet and other military assets.

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, integrating it into Russian territory. Kyiv has repeatedly asserted its commitment to reclaiming Crimea and other territories currently under Russian control.

As the conflict continues, both sides are intensifying their efforts, with Ukraine's recent strikes demonstrating its ongoing resolve to weaken Russian defenses and reclaim occupied territories.