Ukrainian Forces Carry Out Ambitious Operations Against Russian Military Facilities in Crimea
Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian forces have successfully executed their most complex and ambitious operations to date against Russian military facilities in the occupied region of Crimea, Ukrainian officials have confirmed.
According to Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, special forces, in collaboration with the country’s Navy, conducted a joint operation by landing on the western shore of Crimea near the settlements of Olenivka and Mayak. The operation resulted in clashes with Russian occupier’s units, causing casualties among the enemy personnel and destruction of enemy equipment.
Furthermore, during their operation, the Ukrainian unit raised the national flag, signifying their presence and asserting their control over the area.
Officials appointed by Russia in Crimea have not yet responded to these claims made by the Ukrainian authorities.
This operation is seen as one of Kyiv’s most daring moves since launching its counter-offensive against Russian troops. While the progress of the counter-offensive has been limited so far, the operation against Russian military facilities in Crimea is a significant development in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has increased its drone strikes on Crimea, aiming to disrupt Russian logistics and resupply efforts. However, this shift in strategy has faced skepticism from some Western countries.
The targeted area in Crimea contains extensive air defenses and missile sites, including advanced systems. On Wednesday, Ukrainian forces claimed to have destroyed an S-400 missile defense battery in the region.
Mayak, one of the targeted settlements, is believed to be home to a Russian radio engineering regiment and sophisticated radar systems.
There have also been reports of clashes near a campsite at Cape Tarkhankut, the westernmost point in Crimea. Unidentified men in rubber boats opened fire on the camping site, according to witness accounts. Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups are suspected to be involved.
Ukrainian Defense Intelligence has released several videos, which they claim show Ukrainian inflatables close to the Crimean coast during the operation.
Video footage has also emerged, showing Ukrainian inflatable boats firing an anti-aircraft missile at a Russian jet. In response, the Russian Defense Ministry released cockpit video showing a jet fighter using cannon fire against the Ukrainian boats.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has reported some gains on the southern front in the Zaporizhzhia region and maintains an offensive stance around Bakhmut in the east. The General Staff of the Armed Forces has confirmed the consolidation of positions in certain directions, inflicting artillery fire on enemy targets and conducting counter-battery operations. The Ukrainian forces claim to have caused significant casualties and losses to the enemy.
Ukrainian defenders have also successfully prevented Russian attempts to advance further north around Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region and west of Svatove in neighboring Luhansk. The Ukrainian military has reported an increase in Russian forces in these areas.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in a significant loss of life and a humanitarian crisis in the region. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.