Title: Ukraine Launches Coordinated Air Attacks on Russian-Held Territory
Date: August 25, 2023
MOSCOW – In a significant escalation of tensions, Russia has accused Ukraine of firing a missile towards Moscow and launching a coordinated drone attack on Crimea. This marks one of the largest known Ukrainian air assaults on Russian-held territory to date.
The Russian defense ministry reported that a modified S-200 missile was shot down over the Kaluga region, which borders Moscow. The missile was detected and destroyed by air defenses, preventing any casualties or damage. Kaluga governor Vladislav Shapsha confirmed that there were no reported casualties.
Simultaneously, Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, came under attack. The Russian defense ministry stated that nine drones were destroyed by air defense forces, while 33 others were suppressed by electronic warfare and crashed over Crimea without reaching their intended targets. Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Moscow-installed governor of Sevastopol, reported the destruction of several drones on the outskirts of the port city.
There have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage resulting from the attacks. Russian airports near Moscow temporarily suspended flights as a precautionary measure.
Ukraine has not yet commented on the reports, as it rarely claims responsibility for attacks inside Russia or on Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian military intelligence recently revealed its involvement in a “special operation” in which Ukrainian forces landed units on the western tip of Crimea, engaged in a firefight with Russian forces, and raised a Ukrainian flag. This operation, coinciding with Ukraine’s Independence Day, aimed to demonstrate Ukraine’s ability to conduct ground operations in Crimea and challenge the perception of the peninsula’s invulnerability.
Since May, there has been a surge in similar incidents, with two drones being destroyed over the Kremlin. Ukraine has justified these attacks as part of its counteroffensive against Russia’s military infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reiterated Ukraine’s determination to “de-occupy” Crimea during an international conference this week.
Russia, however, shows no signs of leaving Crimea, which it has used as a launching pad for missile attacks on Ukraine. The situation remains tense as both countries continue to engage in military maneuvers and operations.
Ukraine’s military intelligence also reported this week that it deliberately lured a Russian military pilot to land his Mi-8 helicopter at a Ukrainian airfield. Russia has not commented on the incident, while a Russian pro-war Telegram channel claimed that the helicopter had accidentally landed due to being lost.
The recent attacks highlight the escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides engaging in aggressive actions. The international community closely watches the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions.
Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Warsaw; Editing by Christopher Cushing, Miral Fahmy, Guy Faulconbridge, and Timothy Heritage
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
What evidence, if any, does Russia have to support their claim of Ukrainian involvement in the recent air attacks on Russian-held territory?
Cent air attacks launched on Russian-held territory. The Ukrainian government has previously denied any involvement in such attacks and has accused Russia of spreading false information.
Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been high since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine. This recent series of air attacks has further escalated the situation and raised concerns about the potential for a larger conflict between the two countries.
The international community has called for restraint and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. The United Nations has urged both sides to engage in dialogue and de-escalate tensions, while NATO has expressed its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days. The international community will be closely monitoring the situation and working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
This seems like a situation that demands thorough investigation and careful consideration of all available evidence. Let’s hope for a peaceful resolution and open dialogue among the involved parties.