Ukraine’s navy and military intelligence carried out a ‘special operation’ overnight in Russian-occupied Crimea, as announced by the defence ministry’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) on Thursday.
The operation involved Ukrainian units landing on the Crimean peninsula, a move that, if verified, would showcase a rare ground operation staged by Ukrainian forces in the region. This operation marks a significant demonstration of Ukraine’s capability to carry out tactical manoeuvrers in Crimea, which Russia seized and illegally annexed in 2014.
Although reports about the supposed operation were not independently verified by media organisations, the statement was accompanied by brief and grainy video footage that depicted a small motorboat navigating through the waters at night, near the coastline.
The landing point was reportedly situated on the western tip of Crimea, in the vicinity of the Olenivka and Mayak settlements.
“Special units on watercraft landed on the shore in the area of the Olenivka and Mayak settlements,” the HUR said in an official statement.
The statement further claimed that the operation achieved its objectives and inflicted casualties on the opposing forces, though the specific goals weren’t disclosed. “While performing the task, Ukrainian defenders clashed with the occupier’s units. As a result, the enemy suffered losses among its personnel and destroyed enemy equipment,” it read.
Notably, the intelligence agency’s statement highlighted that “the state flag flew again in Ukrainian Crimea,” although no specific location or details were provided.
Russia and the Russian-appointed authorities in Crimea have not issued comments on the report, which coincided with Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed his determination on Wednesday to put an end to Russia’s occupation of Crimea. Ukraine’s recent escalation of drone strikes in Crimea aims to disrupt Russian logistics and resupply efforts, a strategic shift that has garnered attention and scepticism in Western quarters.
The region boasts significant air defences and missile sites, including advanced systems. On Wednesday, Ukraine claimed to have successfully destroyed an S-400 missile defence battery in the area.
Adding to the developments, Ukraine’s military intelligence reported enticing a Russian military pilot to land his Mi-8 helicopter at a Ukrainian airfield, showcasing Ukraine’s evolving strategies in responding to the ongoing conflict.
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