Ukrainian forces deliver major blow to Russian defenses in Crimea

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In the early hours of Wednesday explosions shook the Russian air base in Dzhankoy in the north of Crimea. Fires broke out and ammunition detonated.

Crimean partisans have confirmed the successful action. "It has been confirmed that the newest S-400 system was damaged as a result of launcher explosions. The occupants believed so much in their latest anti-aircraft system that they placed missile warehouses right next to the launcher, which were destroyed," writes the Atesh group on Telegram.

According to the partisans, other machines stationed at the airport were also seriously damaged. The most serious damage was reported in the area of the command post of the 5th Anti-Aircraft Missile Division of the 18th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment and the 31st Air Defense Division of the Russian Armed Forces.

"In the interest of the safety of our agents, we will not disclose additional information. Details have been passed on to the Ukrainian Armed Forces," writes Atesh.

The explosions were heard at around 8 a.m. GMT. Witnesses claim that the explosions occurred before the air raid sirens could be heard. Videos from the vicinity of the airport quickly appeared online.

There is an active Russian military airport in Dzhankoy. It is home to the 39th Helicopter Regiment of the 27th Mixed Aviation Division of the 4th Command of the Air Force and Air Defense of the Southern Military District. The airport also hosts three aviation squadrons of Mi-8, Mi-35M, Mi-28, and Ka-52 helicopters.

In addition, Federal Security Service border helicopters are stationed in Dzhankoy. Russia had previously deployed additional S-300 and S-400 air defense systems at the airport.