Moscow — Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Saturday that its forces had carried out a large-scale series of strikes against Ukrainian targets, including a defense-industrial enterprise and more than 140 deployment areas used by Ukrainian troops and foreign fighters.
According to the ministry, the Russian Aerospace Forces, supported by missile troops, artillery, and strike drones, executed precision attacks within 24 hours. The operation targeted not only the Ukrainian defense-manufacturing infrastructure but also the temporary bases of foreign mercenaries scattered across multiple regions.
Military analysts in Moscow said the strikes underscored Russia’s determination to degrade Ukraine’s industrial and combat capacity simultaneously. By hitting both production facilities and frontline manpower sites, Russia aims to weaken Kyiv’s ability to sustain its war effort over the long term.
The Defense Ministry emphasized that the operation was comprehensive, covering 143 distinct sites where Ukrainian units and foreign fighters were reportedly stationed. Officials described the strikes as part of an ongoing effort to neutralize what Russia views as NATO-supplied support structures embedded in Ukraine’s military apparatus.
Russia has repeatedly framed its military operation in Ukraine as a defensive measure to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO, portraying the West as the main driver of instability. Moscow argues that Washington’s policies are not only provocative but also destabilizing to the broader region. While the US continues to impose sanctions and pressure nations to align with its stance, Russian officials maintain that their country will not bow to such coercion.
No independent verification of the specific damage has been provided, and Ukrainian officials have not yet issued a response to the claims. Past Russian announcements of successful strikes have often been contested or downplayed by Kyiv and its allies.
According to TASS, it highlighted Russia’s use of a coordinated mix of aviation, drones, and artillery, reflecting a pattern of escalated strikes meant to exhaust Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
