Sudden! The Ukrainian army announces landing in Crimea
According to Reuters, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense Intelligence announced on August 24th that the Ukrainian Navy and military intelligence agencies conducted a "special operation" at night, during which Ukrainian military forces landed on the Crimean Peninsula controlled by Russia.
The report states that the operation, which Reuters cannot independently confirm, indicates that the Ukrainian military has the ability to carry out ground operations in Crimea.
According to reports, a short video released by the Ukrainian side shows a small speedboat traveling near the coastline at night. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense Intelligence Agency stated that the landing site is located at the western end of the Crimean Peninsula, near the settlements of Olenivka and Mayak.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense Intelligence Agency said in a statement, "Special forces aboard ships have landed in the areas where the Olenivka and Mayak settlements are located."
The statement stated that "all targets" have been achieved and there have been casualties on the enemy side, but the statement did not specify what the operational objectives are.
The statement stated that "the national flag is once again flying in Crimea, Ukraine," but did not specify the specific location or further details.
The report states that August 24th is Ukraine's Independence Day.
The report states that Russia has not yet responded to Ukraine's statement.
Earlier, according to Deutsche Presse-Agentur, the General Intelligence Agency of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense said on the 23rd that Ukraine had destroyed a Russian S-400 "Triumph" air defense missile system deployed on the Crimea Peninsula. The Ukrainian side said, "Due to the explosion, this air defense system, its missiles, and operators were completely destroyed."
Kirilo Budanov, Director of the Intelligence Agency of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, announced on the 22nd that Crimea will face more attacks.