Report suggesting potential strikes against critical Russian air defense infrastructure at 13:30
In a series of strategic strikes, Ukrainian forces have successfully targeted and weakened key components of Russia's air defense systems in the occupied Crimea region.
According to the latest reports, on June 26, 2025, Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), specifically its elite Prymary unit, executed a covert drone operation that damaged five critical elements of the Russian S-400 system. The operation, which included the destruction of two multifunction 92N2E radars, two 91N6E detection radars, and one missile launcher, significantly undermined Russia's air defense capabilities in Crimea.
Further developments on July 1, 2025, saw Russian missile launchers and radar systems, believed to be S-300 and S-400, being hit again near the village of Kurortne on the Kerch Peninsula. Satellite imagery detected a large nighttime fire at what is thought to be a Russian air defense site housing such systems.
These coordinated drone and missile attacks form part of Ukraine’s broader campaign to undermine Russia’s control over Crimea's airspace, frequently described as Russia's “flying fortress” due to its dense air defenses. The strikes have reportedly involved advanced drone technology, such as Bayraktar TB2 and Switchblade 600 drones, and have targeted the technically sophisticated elements that enable Russia to monitor and control the skies effectively.
Meanwhile, in the eastern Ukrainian region of Luhansk, a Russian logistics center is on fire following a Ukrainian drone strike. Elsewhere, in the occupied city of Donetsk, one woman has died and two others, including a minor, have been injured in a rocket strike.
On the diplomatic front, Denmark has taken over the rotating presidency of the EU Council, aiming to promote a strong Europe in a changing world. The focus will be on collective reinforcement against Russia and enhancing EU competitiveness. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has pledged support to Ukraine for any potential reconstruction efforts following Russia's attack.
In a show of solidarity, German forces have been supporting Ukraine with weapons, humanitarian aid, and their own expertise since the start of the Russian invasion. General Lieutenant Andreas Marlow has shared positive feedback from the training of Ukrainian combat troops, stating that Germany can learn more from Ukraine than vice versa.
As the conflict continues, the situation in the Sumy Oblast has stabilised, with Ukrainian forces pushing back the Russian army from Sumy. However, Russian forces have not taken control of the first village in the eastern Ukrainian region of Dnipropetrovsk, according to Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation.
Military expert Nico Lange has suggested the need for action against the new masses of Shahed drones, proposing solutions like anti-drone drones, cheap air defense, electronic warfare, blocking component trade, and destroying factories. Russia is reportedly producing thousands of Shahed drones per month and increasing production steadily.
As the situation evolves, Ukraine continues to show resilience and strategic prowess in its efforts to counter Russian military assets. The ongoing conflict remains a significant concern for the international community, with many nations, including Denmark and Germany, pledging their support to Ukraine in various ways.
- The contemporary Ukrainian strategy, in conjunction with the Community policy and the Employment policy, involves utilizing advanced drone technology such as Bayraktar TB2 and Switchblade 600 drones, to counter Russia's components that control its air defenses, often referred to as Russia's "flying fortress."
- The Employment policy, including diplomatic and military efforts, is being employed by Denmark and Germany to boost EU competitiveness against Russia and offer support to Ukraine, both in the form of weapons and humanitarian aid, as well as providing training to Ukrainian combat troops.
