Ukraine Targets Russian Military Airfield in Crimea

Ukraine's missile forces have struck a Russian military airfield in Crimea, continuing a series of long-range attacks on the occupied peninsula. The Russian navy has moved vessels to safer locations as Ukraine claims significant damage to Russian military capabilities in Crimea.

KYIV, July 26 (Reuters) - Ukraine announced on Friday that its missile forces struck a Russian military airfield in Crimea, used for long-range assaults on Ukrainian territories. This strike marks the latest in a series of impactful strikes against the Russian military presence on the occupied peninsula.

Recent months have seen an escalation in Ukraine's long-range attacks on Crimea, resulting in claims that the Russian navy's Black Sea Fleet, headquartered in Sevastopol, has moved its vessels to safer locations. The Ukrainian military's general staff confirmed that Saky airfield in western Crimea was the latest target and the aftermath is being assessed. The airfield is crucial for Russian airspace control and launching strikes on Ukraine.

While the statement did not specify the weapon used, it highlighted that Ukraine's missile forces conducted the attack with the help of other contingents. Russia's defence ministry and local Moscow-installed officials have yet to comment. Ukraine has also claimed recent destruction of Russian air defense systems and significant damage to Moscow's last freight ferry, disrupting Russian supply routes. In total, Ukraine claims to have damaged or destroyed 27 Russian warships in the Black Sea and near Crimea during the war.

(With inputs from agencies.)