Ukraine Hits Russian Military Base In Crimea

Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence agency said a Ukrainian drone attack had hit a Russian military base deep inside annexed Crimea, while residents reported casualties, explosions, and a road closure.

Russia reported one of the biggest coordinated Ukrainian air raids yet over Russian-controlled territory but said air defence systems had downed all 42 drones attacking Crimea before they could hit their targets.

However, Ukrainian intelligence officials said the attack struck Russia’s 126th Coastal Defence Brigade based in Perevalnoye, a town more than 200 km from Ukraine-controlled territory.

“We confirm that there was a hit,” said GUR spokesman, Andriy Yusov said.

Moscow annexed Ukraine’s Crimea in 2014, declaring it Russian territory. The United States says it supports Ukrainian attacks on Russian military targets on the Black Sea peninsula because it should be demilitarised.

“People not only on the Ukrainian mainland but also in Crimea need to remember and believe that our victory and their liberation are not far away,” Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov said.

REUTERS/Christopher Ojilere