Ukrainian drones strike key Russian air base in Crimea
Photo: A Ukrainian servicemember operates a drone (Getty Images)
Ukrainian drones struck the Hvardiiske air base in occupied Crimea overnight on July 5. Russia uses the facility for combat sorties, logistics, and aircraft maintenance, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to the General Staff, Hvardiiske is one of Russia's key military air bases in occupied Crimea. It serves as a base for tactical and naval aviation and supports combat operations, logistics, and aircraft maintenance.
The extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Ukrainian forces also struck two road bridges in the Donetsk region: one over the Hruzkyi Yalanchyk River near Huselnykove and another over the Kalmius River near Staromarivka.
Russian forces had been using the bridges to transport troops, weapons, ammunition, and military supplies.
In addition, Ukrainian forces hit three Russian ammunition depots near Makiivka in the Donetsk region, Dovzhansk in the Luhansk region, and Preobrazhenka in the Kherson region.
"The Defense Forces will continue carrying out systematic operations aimed at stopping Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine," the General Staff said.
Last week, as part of its 40-day campaign, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) also struck a command post for Russian attack drone units in the Mykolaiv region, fuel depots in occupied Crimea, and a communications hub near Huliaipole.
On the night of July 1, SBU drones hit hangars housing Russian fighter jets at the Saky air base in occupied Crimea. The agency confirmed five direct hits, with Su-30 and Su-30SM fighter aircraft reportedly inside two of the hangars.
Two days later, on July 3, SBU drones struck the Saky air base for the second time in a week and also targeted hangars at the Hvardiiske air base. According to preliminary information, at least seven Russian aircraft were destroyed or damaged.
