Ukraine’s Military Intelligence has said special forces have conducted a “special operation” in Crimea overnight which is part of a “long-term operation.”
A source told Ukrainska Pravda that the raid in Crimea was a “comprehensive effort” which has clearly demonstrated to Moscow that Ukrainian forces can reach the annexed peninsula.
Ukrainian intelligence said that special forces landed on Crimean territory and were engaging with Russian soldiers.
The source said, “A set of measures is underway, this is not a one-day story, but a long-term operation,” which is still ongoing.
Read more on Russia-Ukraine war:
Kyiv focused on returning Crimea back to Ukraine, but it will be a ‘difficult task’
The Ukraine defence ministry’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) said in a statement, “Special units on watercraft landed on the shore in the area of the Olenivka and Mayak settlements.
“As a result, the enemy suffered losses among personnel, enemy equipment was destroyed.
“Also, the state flag flew again in Ukrainian Crimea.”
Unique footage from the GUR: the unit of the GUR of the Artan MO is performing a combat mission on the territory of the Ukrainian Crimea🔥
“Greetings to everyone with a view of the Crimean Peninsula! Happy Independence Day! Glory to Ukraine!” pic.twitter.com/qo55uCDzOy
— MAKS 23 👀🇺🇦 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) August 24, 2023
Ukrainian intelligence said that Russia had suffered “losses” as result of the “special operation” which is still in progress.
They said in a short statement, “As a result, the enemy suffered losses among personnel, enemy equipment was destroyed.”
“All goals and tasks have been completed,” adding that no Ukrainian military had been harmed.
Oleksii Riabchyn, Ukraine’s former deputy minister for energy and environment, told Sky News, “[The special operation] is a PR move on Ukrainian Independence Day but it does show the vulnerability of Crimea for Putin’s regime.
“Crimea will be Ukraine’s again and the West should be prepared for that.”
This comes as Ukraine targeted Crimea on Wednesday morning and seven explosions were heard as lethal supersonic missiles were destroyed.
Vladimir Putin’s missile carrier which housed the supersonic missiles was hit and the Russian appointed Mayor Mariupol, Pyotr Andryushchenko said the anti-ship missiles system and the Bastion complex was also hit in the attack.
The Ukrainian attack blew up Onyx missiles which can evade radar systems due to their supersonic speeds and have previously been for wide-scale attacks on Ukraine.
Earlier this month Ukraine warned that they will attack Russian ships and that the Crimean bridge are the best testing ground for their weapons.
Kyiv further warned that Black Sea ports are also legitimate military targets and that they intend to “take back all of Crimea” and are preparing for the Russian “de-occupation.”
