Ukraine Launches Missile Attack on Crimea

On Saturday morning, Ukraine launched a missile attack on Sevastopol, a city in the occupied Crimean Peninsula, according to a Russian-installed official. This comes a day after an attack on the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, which resulted in a missing serviceman and damage to the main building.

Air Raid Alert in Sevastopol

Sevastopol was placed under an air raid alert for about an hour after intercepted missiles caused debris to fall near a pier. Ferry traffic in the area was temporarily halted and later resumed.

Explosions Heard in Northern Crimea

Loud blasts were also reported near Vilne in northern Crimea, followed by rising clouds of smoke. These incidents add to the ongoing conflict between Ukrainian forces and Russian-annexed Crimea since 2014.

Casualties and Damage

According to Ukraine’s intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, at least nine people were killed and 16 others were wounded in the attack on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet headquarters. Budanov claimed that a Russian general, Alexander Romanchuk, was in critical condition following the assault. However, these claims couldn’t be independently verified.

Ukraine’s Counteroffensive

Ukraine’s military provided more details about the attack, stating that it conducted 12 strikes on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters, targeting areas with personnel, military equipment, and weapons. Two anti-aircraft missile systems and four Russian artillery units were reportedly hit. Ukraine’s counteroffensive aims to weaken Russia’s military and morale.

Continued Conflict in Southeast Ukraine

Russia launched 15 Iranian-made drones at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region and Dnipropetrovsk province. Ukraine claimed to have destroyed 14 of the drones. Additionally, Russia carried out numerous strikes on settlements in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.