Ukraine's precise strike cripples Russian military hub in Crimea

The Ukrainian armed forces conducted a precise strike on the military airport in Dzhankoi, located in Crimea, which is under Russian occupation - announced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a Wednesday evening video address.

"I want to express my gratitude to everyone in our Armed Forces of Ukraine who plan special operations - those of critical importance that cripple Russian military equipment and their combat capabilities," Zelensky stated.

"Today, the Armed Forces of Ukraine struck the occupier precisely at the airport in Dzhankoi. My thanks go to our soldiers! Your accuracy and to Commander-in-Chief Syrsky for organizing this operation are commendable. The occupier must be defeated, and every loss they suffer bolsters Ukraine's strength," the president further added.

Earlier on Wednesday, the independent Russian TV channel Nastoyascheye Vremya reported an explosion at the military airport in Dzhankoi, with social media posts disclosing six instances of fire at the site.

Videos and photos shared online show a significant area of the airport engulfed in flames. Residents reported hearing several loud explosions near the facility between 9 PM and 10 PM ET (8 PM and 9 PM in Poland).

A regiment of Russian military aviation, including attack helicopters Mi-28 and Ka-52, is stationed at the airport in Dzhankoi. As reported by Nastoyascheye Vremya, the site is also used as a base for Federal Security Service (FSB) border service helicopters and for the deployment of S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft and missile defense systems.

Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula in March 2014 following military intervention and an illegal referendum. Ukraine and the international community have condemned this move by the Kremlin as a breach of international law.

Source: PAP, Telegram