Russian air defenses down drones, missiles in Black Sea area, ministry says

Ukraine has recently stepped up attacks on Russian targets in and around Crimea.

By REUTERS

JANUARY 19, 2024 09:47

Smoke rises from the shipyard that was reportedly hit by Ukrainian missile attack in Sevastopol, Crimea, in this still image from video taken September 13, 2023. (photo credit: REUTERS TV via REUTERS) — Smoke rises from the shipyard that was reportedly hit by Ukrainian missile attack in Sevastopol, Crimea, in this still image from video taken September 13, 2023.

(photo credit: REUTERS TV via REUTERS)

Russian air defense units downed missiles and drones in a series of night-time attacks over the Crimea peninsula and the western part of the Black Sea, the Defense Ministry said in two reports issued overnight and early on Saturday.

An initial ministry report on Telegram said air defense units "thwarted an attempted terrorist attack" by intercepting five drones over the Black Sea at about 8 p.m. (1700 GMT).

A second report said four Ukrainian guided missiles were intercepted and destroyed at 12.30 a.m. on Saturday over Crimea.

Reuters could not independently verify the Russian accounts.

Lack of Ukrainian comment

There was no report on the incident from the Ukrainian military, which does not consistently disclose its actions in Crimea.

Russian Navy vessels are anchored in a bay of the Black Sea port of Sevastopol in Crimea May 8, 2014. Russian servicemen and sailors will conduct a parade to mark Victory Day on May 9, according to local media. (credit: STRINGER/ REUTERS)

Ukraine has recently stepped up attacks on Russian targets in and around Crimea.

Ukraine said on Thursday its air force had conducted a strike on a Russian command post near the occupied city of Sevastopol and hit a military unit in a separate strike in Crimea.

Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defense units had downed a total of 36 Ukrainian drones over Crimea on Thursday.