A Ukrainian intelligence source told Reuters that Ukraine destroyed a Russian air defense system near the town of Yevpatoriya in annexed Crimea in an overnight drone and missile attack.
The source said that drones first blinded the Russian “Triumf” air defense system by attacking its radar and antenna. The Ukrainian navy then fired two Neptune cruise missiles at the system’s launch complexes, destroying it.
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The Neptune anti-ship missile has been modified to attack ground targets, and this attack is the first time it has been used in this way.
The attack comes a day after Ukraine launched missiles at the Crimean port of Sevastopol, home to the Russian navy’s Black Sea Fleet. This attack signaled Ukraine’s growing missile capabilities.
Russia has not yet commented on the latest attack, but it has previously accused Ukraine of carrying out cross-border attacks on Crimea.
The attack on the air defense system is a significant development in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. It shows that Ukraine is capable of striking deep into Russian-controlled territory, and it raises the risk of further escalation.
The attack also comes at a time when Russia is facing increasing international isolation over its invasion of Ukraine. The United States and its allies have imposed severe sanctions on Russia, and the International Criminal Court is investigating possible war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine.
The destruction of the air defense system is a blow to Russia’s military capabilities in Crimea. It will make it more difficult for Russia to defend its airspace in the region, and it could embolden Ukraine to launch further attacks.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia is likely to continue for some time. The latest attack is a reminder of the high stakes involved, and it raises the risk of a wider conflict.