Russia has launched large-scale retaliatory airstrikes against Ukrainian defense industry sites, according to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry.
The attacks, involving drones and long-range precision-guided weapons launched from air, sea, and land platforms, were described as a response to recent “terrorist acts” carried out by Kiev.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Moscow’s overnight strikes targeted “design bureaus, enterprises involved in production and repair of Ukraine’s weapons and military equipment, workshops for the assembly of attack drones, flight training centers as well as warehouses of weapons and military equipment.”
The ministry added that, “The goal of the strike was achieved. All designated facilities were hit.”
Last week, Ukraine initiated a series of offensives inside Russian territory, reportedly killing at least seven people and injuring more than 120. These operations included the destruction of railway bridges, which led to the derailment of both civilian and freight trains.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the railway sabotage incidents as “undoubtedly a terrorist act” committed by the “illegitimate regime in Kiev,” which, he said, is “gradually turning into a terrorist organization.”
Ukraine’s attacks against Russian assets last week are said to have destroyed approximately $7 billion worth of Russian aircraft stationed at bases across the country, including installations as far as Siberia.
As part of the operation, Ukraine also launched drone strikes on multiple Russian airbases, targeting long-range, nuclear-capable bombers located in the north and far east of Russia.
Russian officials also noted that this was the sixth combined strike against Ukrainian military-related targets since May 31.
