Bogdan Maftei
The Erudite Elders
June 7, 2024
On May 30, 2024, the Ukrainian forces launched a multi-pronged attack on Russian-occupied Crimea, targeting critical military infrastructure and transportation hubs. The operation, orchestrated by the Ukrainian military intelligence services (GUR), struck multiple high-value targets across the Crimean Peninsula, showcasing the growing sophistication and boldness of the Ukrainian military. According to GUR sources, Ukrainian naval drones successfully engaged two Russian patrol boats, identified as the KS-701 Tunets (Tuna) model, in occupied Crimea. The agency subsequently confirmed the operation, releasing video footage of the strike and confirming the destruction of both vessels.
The attack on the Russian patrol boats was executed in the vicinity of Chornomorske, a town situated on the western coast of Crimea. A military intelligence source from Ukrainian Pravda disclosed that the strikes were carried out using Magura V5 drones, underscoring the increasing significance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in contemporary warfare. The Magura V5 is a state-of-the-art, domestically produced UAV designed for reconnaissance and strike missions. Equipped with advanced sensors, including electro-optical and infrared cameras, as well as a robust communication system, the Magura V5 is capable of delivering precision strikes on enemy targets while maintaining a safe standoff distance.
In parallel to the naval drone strikes, Ukrainian forces also targeted the strategically important port city of Kerch, situated in eastern Crimea. Nikolai Lukashenko, the Russian-appointed transport official in Crimea, reported that an overnight attack inflicted damage on two ferries in the port. Kerch holds immense strategic value, as it is linked to Russia’s Krasnodar region via the Kerch Bridge, a critical piece of infrastructure constructed by Russia following the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Local Telegram channels indicated that residents of Kerch heard up to 20 explosions during the attack. Lukashenko asserted that a car ferry and a rail ferry sustained damage from debris of intercepted missiles while Russian forces were “repelling an enemy attack on transport infrastructure.” Consequently, Russian authorities announced at 7:30 local time that vehicle traffic on the Kerch Bridge was temporarily halted.
The Kerch Bridge and the ferries traversing the Kerch Strait serve as vital lifelines for Russian occupation forces in Crimea and southern Ukraine. By targeting these transportation arteries, Ukrainian forces aim to disrupt Russia’s ability to sustain its military presence in the region. Ukraine has previously claimed responsibility for attacks that inflicted significant damage to the bridge in October 2022 and July 2023, underscoring its strategic importance in the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian military likely employed a combination of long-range precision strike weapons, such as the ATACMS, OTR-21 Tochka tactical ballistic missile system, and loitering
munitions, like the ST-35 Silent Thunder, to target the Kerch Bridge and ferries. The OTR-21 Tochka, with a range of up to 120 kilometers and a 482-kilogram warhead, is capable of delivering a devastating blow to critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, the ST-35 Silent Thunder, a domestically developed kamikaze drone, offers a more cost-effective and precise option for striking smaller, mobile targets.
In response to the Ukrainian offensive, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed on Thursday, May 30, that its air defense systems neutralized 13 Ukrainian drones in the Krasnodar region of southern Russia and near the annexed Crimean Peninsula. According to a statement from the ministry, five Ukrainian drones were shot down over the Krasnodar region, while another eight were intercepted over the Black Sea, close to the Crimean coast. The Russian military also asserted that it destroyed two Ukrainian naval drones in the Black Sea, which were allegedly heading towards Crimea. Furthermore, eight ATACMS tactical missiles were reportedly intercepted by air defense systems over the Sea of Azov, near Crimea. The ATACMS, or Army Tactical Missile System, is a long-range, surface-to-surface missile capable of striking targets up to 300 kilometers away with a 500-pound warhead.
In response, on the Ukrainian side, the commander of the air forces stated on Telegram that anti-aircraft systems destroyed seven missiles and 32 drones out of the 51 drones and missiles launched by Russia overnight. The commander mentioned that Russian forces attacked military facilities and critical infrastructure in Ukraine but did not provide further details. Ukraine’s air defense systems, including the S-300 and Buk-M1, have played a crucial role in countering Russian aerial threats and protecting key infrastructure. Separate reports from Ihor Terehov, the mayor of Kharkiv, indicated that critical infrastructure in the city was targeted during the night, resulting in four people being injured. However, other military or civilian authorities did not report any casualties or destruction caused by the attacks.
According to the Ukrainian press, Russian occupation troops carried out another series of massive combined attacks on targets deep within Ukrainian territory. In particular, Russian drones targeted Ukrainian military installations in the Khmelnytskyi region. At least three strikes were reportedly executed on the Starokostiantyniv airfield, which is used by the Ukrainian Air Force. Pro-war Russian propaganda channels claim that Ukrainian representatives intend to use this airfield to receive American-made F-16 fighter jets. The F-16, a versatile multirole fighter, would significantly enhance Ukraine’s air combat capabilities, providing a platform for air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.
Recent information suggests that Ukrainian military personnel attempted to set up special shelters for Western aircraft at Starokostiantyniv, as Kyiv anticipates the delivery of these planes later this year. The deployment of F-16s to Ukraine would represent a major shift in Western support, as these advanced fighter jets would enable Ukrainian forces to challenge Russian air supremacy and conduct deep strikes on enemy targets.
The Ukrainian offensive in Crimea not only showcases the country’s growing military capabilities but also highlights the importance of strategic planning and the effective use of modern weapon systems. By employing a combination of naval drones, long-range precision
strike weapons, and loitering munitions, Ukrainian forces have demonstrated their ability to strike high-value targets deep within enemy-controlled territory. The targeting of critical infrastructure, such as the Kerch Bridge and military installations, underscores the importance of logistics and supply lines in modern warfare. By disrupting Russia’s ability to reinforce and resupply its forces in Crimea and southern Ukraine, Ukrainian forces aim to degrade the enemy’s combat effectiveness and create opportunities for future counter-offensives.