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Crimea remains a focal point of intense military activity as Ukrainian forces escalate their efforts to target the peninsula. Recent days have seen a significant increase in operations across the Black Sea region, characterized by persistent drone assaults and heightened reconnaissance.
On September 1, Russian air defense systems reported a busy night repelling another Ukrainian drone offensive. From midnight to 5:00 AM Moscow time, duty systems intercepted and destroyed 50 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles of the aircraft type. The majority of these engagements occurred over the Black Sea, with 16 drones neutralized there, and a further 7 over the Sea of Azov. In the preceding hours, from 9:00 PM to midnight, an additional 25 drones were shot down, with 21 over the Black Sea and 3 above the territory of the Republic of Crimea. Despite the scale of the attempted attacks, no damage was inflicted on critical infrastructure on the peninsula.
These aerial operations were part of a multi-pronged effort. Simultaneously, small Ukrainian unmanned boats were observed conducting intelligence-gathering missions near gas fields in the Black Sea, though they did not engage in combat. Furthermore, the presence of a US RQ-4B Global Hawk strategic unmanned aerial vehicle was noted over the Black Sea. The American drone was actively mapping Russian air defense positions in Crimea and attempting to detect reconnaissance equipment on Russian platforms in the Black Sea, providing crucial data for potential future strikes.
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Claims from Ukrainian Military Intelligence (GUR)
In contrast to the failed large-scale drone attacks on September 1, Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) has publicized footage of what it claims are successful kamikaze drone strikes on specific Russian military assets in Crimea. The stated targets included critical surveillance and communication infrastructure: the Utes-T radar complex, the RT-70 radio telescope, a GLONASS complex under a dome, the MR-10M1/Mys-M1 radar, and a 96L6-AP radar belonging to an S-400 anti-aircraft system.
Analysis of the released footage suggests that while the strikes are psychologically impactful, their physical damage may be limited. For instance, regarding the attack on the 96L6-AP radar, it appears the drone missed its primary target, impacting the ground of a dug-out revetment and only showering the vehicle with fragments from its exploded warhead rather than delivering a critical blow. These operations, enabled by NATO-supplied Starlink terminals for guidance, highlight a persistent tactical challenge and raise concerns about the long-term need for countermeasures against such commercial satellite communication technologies.
The GUR further asserted successful attacks on Russian aviation assets, claiming that drones struck two Mi-8 helicopters at the Gvardeyskoye airbase near Simferopol and hit a tugboat in Sevastopol bay. Satellite imagery published by Ukrainian sources shows dark burn marks on helicopter parking spots, suggesting damage to Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters, though independent verification of the extent of the damage is unavailable. Russian sources acknowledge an increasing threat from new types of long-range FPV drones, such as the RAM-2X, which are assessed to have a range of up to 150 km when using a relay, necessitating the development of new protective measures for Russian assets.
Zelenskyy’s Threats and the so-called Flamingo Missile
This intensified pressure on Crimea aligns with broader threats from Ukrainian leadership. Kyiv’s leader Zelenskyy, after a meeting with top military officials, has announced plans for new strikes deep into Russian territory, stating that the necessary forces and means have been prepared.
Part of this new strategy reportedly involves the first combat use of the much-publicized Flamingo missile. Ukrainian sources claim this weapon was employed in an attack on a military airfield in Crimea around on August 30th. According to reports, four missiles were launched; three were intercepted by Russian S-400 air defense systems, while a fourth fell off-target.
The situation underscores a continued and evolving threat to Crimea, combining daily drone harassment with the potential for deeper, more powerful strikes, as Kyiv seeks to demonstrate its capacity to bring the war deeper in Russia.
ukraines peace efforts helps normal russians
ukraine is real country, let’s call russia east ukraine from now on. the capital is kiev. so ukraine bombed the zombie orch nazi terrorist on east ukrainian territory.
don’t know world history except nato bullshit lies huh? someday you will grow up and see how everything you have been told about russia is a lie. keep falling for their eugenicist drivel: they are the military arm of the w e f and humans are the carbon they want to reduce. your family will not be spared no matter what they promise you. they worship the father of lies. you will find out, sooner or later but you will know.
i hear you loud and clear. so then you can explain why soviet union and then russia funded the people you talk about in foreign countries?
he’ll never ‘grow up’, he’s just some kid in his basement paid per post. all part of the western empire’s propaganda effort. when the funds dry up he’ll turn to something else.
more propaganda about fictitious weaponry with totally unfounded claims and ai-generated videos.