The Ukrainian troops are facing pressure at the front lines, but they are working on hitting the enemy in their rear positions. Reports suggest that the US has covertly supplied additional Atacms missiles to the Ukrainians. Recent large-scale air strikes by the Ukrainian armed forces have caused significant damage to Russia, targeting locations in Tatarstan and Crimea.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the attack on Russian targets, while there was no official response from the Russian side. Local authorities indirectly acknowledged the incident by closing roads near the affected areas. Earth observation satellites have captured evidence of fires and destruction in the targeted military sites.
The attack on the Russian air force base near Dzhankoi reportedly destroyed radar stations, launch pads of an S-400 anti-aircraft system, and attack helicopters. This represents a setback for Russia’s air defense capabilities in Crimea. The use of Atacms missiles by the Ukrainians, believed to have been provided by the US, has been particularly effective given their long range and cluster munitions payload.
Further attacks targeted drone and aircraft factories in Kazan, as well as radar facilities in Kovylkino, among others. The use of long-range drones by the Ukrainians has caused damage to strategic Russian assets. Meanwhile, both Ukraine and Russia continue to exchange heavy air strikes causing casualties and damage on both sides. Discussions on the future of military aid and missile supplies to Ukraine are ongoing in the US Congress.