On the evening of May 15, the main missile and artillery depot at the Russian Belbek military airfield near occupied Sevastopol was reportedly damaged. A partisan group known as Atesh claimed that the depot, which stored most of the missiles for Russian fighter jets and aircraft, was targeted in an attack. The group did not confirm whether the Kinzhal ballistic missiles were included in the stored ammunition. The attack also caused significant damage to the airfield’s infrastructure due to secondary detonations. While Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted five U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles, the Ukrainian military did not comment on the incident. Reports of explosions were heard in several occupied areas, including Sevastopol, Simferopol, Dzhankoi, and Hvardiiske.
The Belbek airfield is crucial for Russia’s military operations in Crimea, as it houses various fighter jets and aircraft that are used in attacks on Ukraine. The destruction of the depot jeopardizes the availability of missiles for Russian aircraft, potentially impacting their ability to carry out further strikes. The attack highlights the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides engaging in military operations and retaliations. Ukrainian forces have previously targeted Russian military installations and infrastructure in Crimea, aiming to weaken Russia’s presence in the region.
The Black Sea Fleet, which is based in Sevastopol, has often been the target of Ukrainian missile and naval drone strikes. The presence of the fleet increases tensions between Russia and Ukraine as both countries continue to engage in military confrontations in the region. Russian authorities frequently claim to have intercepted Ukrainian missiles and drones without acknowledging any damage, but evidence of successful strikes occasionally emerges, showing the impact on military targets and infrastructure. The destruction of the Belbek military airfield’s depot adds to the list of successful attacks carried out by Ukrainian forces, further escalating the conflict between the two nations.
In a separate incident, Ukraine’s military intelligence unit, known as “Group 13,” conducted a combat operation in the Vuzka Bay in the Black Sea. The operation targeted a Russian fast attack craft in occupied Crimea, resulting in its destruction. This operation demonstrates Ukraine’s continued efforts to disrupt and counter Russian military activities in Crimea. The success of the operation showcases Ukraine’s capabilities in conducting targeted strikes against Russian naval assets in the region. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia remains ongoing, with both sides engaging in strategic military actions to assert their dominance in the region.
The lack of official comments from the Ukrainian military regarding the attacks on the Belbek military airfield indicates a potential strategic decision to avoid public acknowledgement of their involvement. This approach could be aimed at maintaining a level of deniability while still carrying out offensive operations against Russian targets. The use of partisan groups and covert actions to target Russian military assets demonstrates Ukraine’s determination to resist Russian aggression and defend its sovereignty. The ongoing conflict in Crimea and the wider region underscores the challenges faced by Ukraine in confronting a powerful adversary like Russia, but also highlights the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian military and partisan groups in fighting for their independence and sovereignty.
Support for independent journalism in Ukraine is crucial in providing accurate and timely information about military operations and conflicts in the region. By joining the fight and supporting independent media outlets, individuals can contribute to the dissemination of vital information and analysis on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Independent journalism plays a critical role in exposing the realities of war and documenting the experiences of those affected by the conflict. By amplifying the voices of those involved in the conflict and shedding light on the complexities of the situation, independent journalism serves as a beacon of truth and accountability in times of crisis.
