Ukrainian S‑400 systems hit in bold Crimea operation

In an operation carried out by Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) in the early hours of Wednesday in Dzhankoy, a city in Crimea currently occupied by Russia, four Russian anti-aircraft and anti-missile S-400 launchers were either destroyed or severely damaged a HUR reported on Thursday.

The Ukrainian intelligence service is working to ascertain the full extent of Russia's losses in Dzhankoy. This includes determining the number of aircraft destroyed and the casualties among Russian military personnel.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Wednesday evening that Kyiv orchestrated the operation in Crimea. Reports earlier that day indicated that several explosions had occurred at the airport in Dzhankoy, which houses a Russian military aviation regiment.

A video of the attack on Dzhankoy airport was released by the General Staff.

The airport's assets include Mi-28 and Ka-52 attack helicopters. It also houses helicopters belonging to the border service of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and is a base for anti-aircraft and anti-missile S-300 and S-400 launchers.

Explosions have been a routine occurrence in Crimea since August 2022. The Russian occupation authorities often attribute these explosions to their anti-aircraft defense or the successful interception of drones. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian side is increasingly acknowledging its role in these operations.

For instance, it has been confirmed that the Ukrainian Security Service was involved in attacks on the Crimean Bridge in October 2022 and July 2023. Additionally, in September of the previous year, Kyiv admitted to targeting the Black Sea Fleet's headquarters in Sevastopol, the city's shipyards, and a Russian S-400 Triumph system near Yevpatoria.

The Crimean Peninsula was annexed by Russia in March 2014, following a military intervention and a referendum deemed illegal. This move has been denounced by Ukraine and the international community as a breach of international law.