Ukraine Strikes Russian Air Defences in Occupied Crimea

Ukraine's military struck three Russian surface-to-air missile systems in Moscow-occupied Crimea overnight, marking the second reported hit on the peninsula's air defenses this week.

The Ukrainian general staff reported today that the strikes targeted an S-300 system and two advanced S-400 systems near Belbek and Sevastopol. "As a result of the strikes, two radars of the S-300 and S-400 complexes were destroyed. Information about the third radar is being clarified," the general staff announced on Telegram.

This offensive comes as Ukraine successfully repelled a significant Russian attack that involved cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones targeting Kyiv and five other regions overnight. The affected areas included Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, Kharkiv, and Vinnytsia.

Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's city military administration, reported that Ukraine's air defense systems intercepted and destroyed all incoming weapons before they could reach the capital. Despite this, debris caused a fire at an industrial facility in the Kyiv region. The governor noted that one resident was injured, and a private residence, a garage, a gas station, and a storage unit were damaged.

The Ukrainian military confirmed it shot down five out of six missiles and all 24 drones launched during Russia's overnight attack.

Key Points:

• Ukraine claims to have hit three Russian air defense systems in occupied Crimea.
• Ukrainian forces repelled a major Russian missile attack on Kyiv and other regions.
• President Zelensky renewed his call for more air defense supplies following the overnight attack on Kyiv.
• The US lifted its weapons ban on Ukraine’s Azov Brigade.
• Two Indians were killed fighting for the Russian military in Ukraine.
• Russia and Belarus started the second stage of tactical nuclear drills.
• Russia launched more missiles and drones at Ukraine amid diplomatic efforts to end the war.

Detailed Report: Russian forces fired missiles and drones at the Kyiv region and five other areas of Ukraine in a nighttime attack, officials reported on Wednesday. This escalation occurred ahead of several days of intense diplomatic activity surrounding the ongoing war, now in its third year.

Ukraine’s air force announced it successfully shot down 29 out of 30 air targets, which included four cruise missiles, one Kinzhal ballistic missile, and 24 Shahed drones. Several people sustained injuries during the attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the air force’s efforts, describing the defense as a "daily achievement." He has continually appealed to Ukraine’s Western partners for more air defense systems. In response, the United States has agreed to send another Patriot missile system, according to two U.S. officials.

As the conflict continues, Ukraine remains resolute in its defense efforts while seeking increased support from international allies to bolster its air defense capabilities.