'We can reach the enemy anywhere in Crimea', Ukrainian defense intelligence chief
Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine's defense forces claim they have the capability to strike any point in the temporarily occupied Crimea to target the Russians, according to a statement by Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov, citing Radio Svoboda.
"As of now, we have the ability to strike any part of the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea. We can reach the enemy in absolutely any part," Budanov stated.
He further mentioned that there are various options for de-occupying Crimea, but he emphasized that it would have to be through military actions.
"Those who have done any stupid things better leave. And those who are waiting (for Ukrainian forces to come to Crimea – ed.) need to prepare and do everything to help, first of all by helping the intelligence agencies, and then helping troops who will openly enter the territory. To make it happen faster and as bloodlessly as possible," the head of the Intelligence Directorate noted.
Explosions in Crimea
Yesterday morning, August 23, in western Crimea near Olenivka, around 10:10 AM, 7 explosions were heard, accompanied by a thick cloud of smoke.
Local Telegram channels later reported a "strike" on a Russian military facility on the Tarkhankut Peninsula near Olenivka. It was reported that Russian radar stations were targeted.
Crimean online communities reported that the Russian 48Ya6-K1 Podlet radar station was hit in Crimea. These radar stations are designed to detect aerial targets at low and extremely low altitudes in complex jamming environments.
These radar stations play a crucial role in providing targeting information for Russian anti-aircraft missile systems such as the S-300, S-400, and others.
The Ministry of Defense Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine later confirmed that the strike had hit a Russian military unit.
Additionally, Mariupol's deputy mayor, Petro Andriushchenko, reported that an anti-ship missile system Bastion was allegedly targeted in Crimea.
The Bastion system is one of the platforms used by Russia to launch Onyx missiles, which have been used in strikes against Ukraine.
Also, on that same day, the Ministry of Defense Intelligence Directorate reported the destruction of the S-400 Triumph air defense system in Crimea.
