Ukraine’s security service (SBU) and navy collaborated on the attack, targeting a Russian facility near Yevpatoriya with cruise missiles and drones, as confirmed by a Ukrainian intelligence source speaking to the BBC.
Social media platforms captured video footage of a fire and smoke near the city in the western region of the Russian-occupied peninsula.
While Ukraine openly announced the operation, Moscow has not yet issued a direct response to the claim. Instead, the Russian defence ministry reported shooting down multiple Ukrainian aerial drones and thwarting a separate attack on a naval patrol vessel.
The Crimean peninsula, illegally occupied by Russia since 2014, witnessed several explosions earlier on Thursday, sparking concerns about the escalation of tensions in the region.
According to the BBC’s intelligence source, the Ukrainian operation strategically utilized drones to disable radar equipment, followed by cruise missiles targeting air defence missile launchers, including the highly advanced S300 and S400 ‘Triumph’ systems, valued at $1.2 billion.
The number of batteries impacted in the attack remains undisclosed.
In contrast, Russia’s defence ministry downplayed the operation’s significance, emphasizing their success in downing 11 drones over Crimea. Russian-appointed local officials did not report any damage to the military facility or air defence systems.
The S400 air defence system, operational since 2007, is an upgraded version of the Cold War-era S300 and boasts missiles capable of traveling 400km (250 miles) while attacking targets at altitudes of 48km (30 miles). It has the capability to neutralize both aircraft and ballistic missiles.
Ukraine has recently intensified its actions against occupying forces in Crimea, launching a major attack on Sevastopol, home to Russia’s Black Sea fleet. Ukrainian officials assert that two Russian naval ships suffered significant damage in the attack, using 10 missiles, highlighting Ukraine’s growing deployment of long-range munitions, some of which are domestically produced.
Furthermore, Ukraine’s finance ministry announced that it is set to receive $1.25 billion from the United States as part of the World Bank’s PEACE in Ukraine project. These funds will be allocated for non-military purposes, particularly towards aiding vulnerable groups and providing essential educational and medical services.
BBC News
