Russian Air Defenses in Crimea Decimated by Ukrainian Forces, Military Reports

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Jun 12, Significant Events:

• Ukrainian military strikes destroy radar units of Russian S-300 and S-400 systems in Crimea
• Dutch Defense Minister announces Netherlands to send first batch of F-16s to Ukraine this summer
• Confirmation by Military intelligence of two Russian Su-57 jets being hit in a strike
• Nine fatalities and 29 injuries reported after Russian missiles hit Kryvyi Rih
• Rheinmetall and Ukraine to commence Lynx armored vehicle production in 2024
• Police uncover evidence of Russian cluster munitions usage in Kyiv Oblast

The radars belonging to Russian S-300 and S-400 air defense systems in occupied Crimea were successfully targeted and destroyed by Ukrainian forces during the night of June 12, as announced by Ukraine’s General Staff.

Reports of explosions emerged throughout various locations in Crimea and adjacent Russia’s Krasnodar Krai.

According to Ukrainian military sources, radar sites associated with an S-300 system near the Russian Belbek military airfield, and two S-400 systems near both Belbek and the occupied Sevastopol, were attacked. Details here.

The extent of damage dealt to a third radar remains under investigation.

“Secondary explosions from ammunition were observed at the three impacted locations where Russian anti-aircraft divisions were positioned,” stated the military communications.

The military did not discuss what type of weaponry was used or provide extensive details about the consequences of the assaults.

Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russia-appointed leader of Sevastopol, contended that the attacks resulted in neither destruction nor injuries.

This event marks yet another instance of Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian air defenses in Crimea within a week. It is reported that on June 10, additional S-400 and S-300 units in the region were hit.

These successful strikes are part of Ukraine’s pattern of attacks on Russian positions in Crimea, aiming to debilitate the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s capabilities significantly.

Netherlands' F-16s Expected in Ukraine by Summer, States Minister

F-16 fighter jets are set to be delivered by the Netherlands to Ukraine, with shipments beginning in summer, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren revealed during an interview. This statement represents an advancement from previous estimates that suggested deliveries would not start until the autumn season.

A total of 24 advanced F-16 jets are promised by the Dutch to reinforce the Ukrainian Air Force, with additional units anticipated from allies like Denmark, Belgium, and Norway.

“The plan entails Denmark leading the initial deliveries, followed by a seamless tranche of Dutch jets,” Ollongren explained, without specifying exact dates. The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to prepare Ukrainian personnel and infrastructure necessary for the operational demands of the aircraft.

The Netherlands envisions usage of its F-16s by Ukraine for defensive purposes, including targeting military objectives across the Russian border, in contrast to Belgium’s restriction on using their jets solely within Ukrainian territory.

While there is growing frustration in KyIv over the sluggish pace of U.S. and other pilot training activities, which could delay the F-16 inflow, Ollongren assures that plans are progressing smoothly.

Furthermore, she disclosed that she would be stepping down as the Netherlands’ defense minister, having served in a cabinet known for its adamant support for Ukraine.

Despite the presence of the right-wing Party for Freedom, which has expressed skepticism over aiding Ukraine, in the new coalition government, a continued commitment to support Kyiv has been pledged.

Ukrainian Military Intelligence Verifies Hits on Two Russian Su-57 Aircraft

Recent strikes at the Akhtubinsk airfield in Astrakhan Oblast resulted in damage to two Russian Su-57 jets, confirmed by Ukraine’s military intelligence spokesperson, Andrii Yusov. While one jet sustained major damage, the other incurred minor impairments, potentially making it restorable.

The Su-57, Russia’s advanced fighter jet, has not seen wide service within the Russian Air Force, making these hits particularly significant.

While Ukrainian intelligence typically refrains from publicly acknowledging strikes within Russia, sources indicate that such long-range actions against Russian facilities and infrastructure are part of Ukraine’s broader strategic efforts.

In Wake of Missile Hit, Kryvyi Rih Suffers Deaths and Injuries

A chilling aftermath followed the missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, with nine lives lost and 29 individuals injured. The local authorities have confirmed the casualties, which include children among the wounded.

As the police document this act of aggression, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko expressed the magnitude of the travesty. The missile struck amidst a series of concentrated attacks by Russian forces, with Ukrainian air defenses successfully neutralizing many incoming projectiles.

Despite combating an array of drones and missiles, including a reported Iskander-M ballistic missile, Ukrainian forces have managed to prevent further destruction and loss of life.

The ongoing conflict saw eleven Shahed-type drones downed in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast alone, emphasizing the relentless nature of Russian assaults.

Coordination between Rheinmetall and Ukraine signals the start of Lynx armored vehicle production slated for 2024, marking a significant step forward in Ukraine’s quest for self-reliance in military hardware manufacturing.

“Production of the first Lynx vehicle in Ukraine will commence before year’s end,” Strategic Industries Minister Alexander Kamyshin announced in Berlin.

The Lynx, a versatile vehicle capable of serving various roles on the battlefield, joins a range of other military supplies provided to Ukraine by Rheinmetall.

With plans to establish multiple production facilities in Ukraine, Rheinmetall is laying the foundation for a robust defense industrial base in the country.

Discovery of Russian Cluster Munitions in Kyiv Oblast by Police

Following a missile attack in Kyiv Oblast, police found cluster munition remnants, indicating the use of these internationally condemned weapons. The authorities urge civilians to keep their distance from attack sites due to the unpredictability and danger of unexploded ordnance.

The pernicious effects of such munitions were previously witnessed in an attack on Odesa, reinforcing Ukraine’s accusations of Russia’s use of cluster munitions against civilian targets.