Ukraine special forces claim drone attack on Russian Su-24M bomber in Crimea

Soldiers of a Ukrainian drone unit (archive) — Source: Smoliyenko Dmytro/Ukrinform/ABACA/picture alliance

Several Ukrainian attacks are putting pressure on Russia. According to its own statements, the military has attacked multiple bombers and targeted Russian ships in the Black Sea.

Destruction of Tu-95 Bomber at Engels Air Base

Ukraine has destroyed a strategic Tu-95 bomber at the Russian Engels air base, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The base is located approximately 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The military aircraft was used by Russian forces for missile attacks on Ukraine, Zelenskyy said on the short-message service X. "We are defending ourselves justly and proactively," the president stated.

Attack on Su-24M Bomber in Crimea

Earlier, the Ukrainian special unit Omega announced on Telegram that it had attacked a Su-24M bomber on Russian-occupied Crimea. While the aircraft was being prepared for takeoff, Ukrainian drones struck the plane at the Saky air base.

"The first drone hit the aircraft's nose, the second delivered an additional blow to the fuel tanks, thus confirming the destruction of the target," the message stated. It ended with: "Crimea, wait for us – we are getting closer!"

However, the reports and the material of the attack shared by Ukraine could not be independently confirmed.

Shelling of Russian Ships in the Black Sea

Meanwhile, the head of the Ukrainian drone forces, Robert Browdi, reported the shelling of twelve more Russian ships in the Black Sea. According to him, the following vessels were hit:

• Nine freighters
• One tanker
• One gas transport ship
• One tugboat

Overall, the number of ships attacked since July 6 thus rises to 159 — in the Black Sea and the connected Sea of Azov. These figures cannot be verified from independent sources.

"The fleet hunt continues," said a statement published by Browdi on Telegram. The goal is to paralyze logistics for oil, fuel, and cargo while circumventing sanctions. The ships should be taken out of action. "It is not the goal to pollute the waters with oil slicks, therefore no holes in the hulls," Browdi stated.