Ukrainian Forces Target Russian Military Assets in Crimea in Overnight Assault
Overnight, Ukrainian forces launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Russian military installations in occupied Crimea, striking airfields, air defense systems, and radar facilities across multiple locations. The operation targeted Russian-controlled sites in Sevastopol, Saki, Kacha, Dzhankoi, Hvardiiske, Novofedorivka, and Belbek, aiming to disrupt Moscow’s military operations on the peninsula it illegally annexed in 2014. Ukrainian strikes exposed significant weaknesses in Russia’s defenses, undermining its ability to maintain control over Crimea and support its ongoing war against Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces deployed Neptune cruise missiles, strike drones, and FPV drones, with the “Prymary” unit of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) executing key operations.
According to reports from X and web sources, the Belbek airfield near Sevastopol, which hosts Russia’s 38th Fighter Aviation Regiment, was a primary target. The strikes hit areas housing Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets, as well as MiG-31 interceptors equipped with Kinzhal ballistic missiles used in attacks on Ukrainian cities. Damage was reported to aircraft parking zones, a fuel depot, and ammunition storage, with secondary explosions confirming successful hits. At the Novofedorivka airfield in Saki, a hub for Russian air operations, Ukrainian drones struck aircraft and infrastructure, causing visible detonations and fires.
The operation also destroyed critical Russian air defense assets. Two S-300V surface-to-air missile launchers, deployed to protect Russian forces from aerial threats, were obliterated. Three radar systems—Obzor-3, Kasta-2E2, and ST-68—were also destroyed, severely impairing Russia’s ability to monitor airspace and detect low-flying drones or missiles. These radars, located in Sevastopol and other sites, were vital for coordinating air defenses across Crimea. Their loss leaves Russian forces exposed to further Ukrainian attacks.
In Kacha, Hvardiiske, and Dzhankoi, Ukrainian drones targeted additional airfields and military facilities. Dzhankoi’s airfield, a logistical hub supporting Russian operations in southern Ukraine, sustained strikes on helicopter and tactical jet facilities. Explosions and gunfire were reported as Russian forces attempted to counter the drones. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted 89 drones and 23 UAVs, acknowledging the attack’s scale while downplaying its impact. In Sevastopol, Kremlin-installed governor Mikhail Razvozhaev reported power outages and the temporary closure of the Kerch Bridge, indicating significant disruption.
The strikes damaged Russia’s military infrastructure and highlighted the vulnerabilities of its occupation. Airfields like Belbek and Novofedorivka are central to Russian air operations, while the S-300V launchers and radars are critical for defending against Ukrainian attacks. By targeting these assets, Ukraine aims to weaken Russia’s logistical and operational capacity in Crimea, which Moscow uses as a base for missile strikes and troop deployments. The operation follows previous Ukrainian attacks on the peninsula, reflecting Kyiv’s strategy to challenge Russia’s control and disrupt its war efforts.
Russian authorities have minimized reports of damage, but the scope of the attack and visible effects contradict their claims.
Ukraine’s precise and coordinated strikes demonstrate its growing military capabilities, posing a direct challenge to Russia’s faltering dominance in Crimea.