Latest news with #SpecialOperationsForces
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Zelenskyy establishes Special Operations Forces Day in memory of battles for Donetsk Airport
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree designating 27 May as Special Operations Forces Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Source: presidential decree; press service of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Quote from the decree: "Honouring the courage and heroism of the soldiers of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, demonstrated in the fight for Ukraine's freedom, independence and territorial integrity, and with the aim of establishing new military traditions, I hereby decree: The Special Operations Forces Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shall be established in Ukraine, to be marked annually on 27 May." Details: The decree enters into force on the day of its publication. The SOF recall that on this day in 2014, soldiers from special forces regiments – now Special Operations Forces – together with comrades from other components of the defence forces, carried out an operation to liberate the new terminal of Donetsk Airport from separatist troops and raised the Ukrainian flag. By a separate order of SOF Commander Major General Oleksandr Trepak, 29 July is designated as the day of remembrance for fallen Special Operations Forces soldiers. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ukrainian General Staff confirms strike on Energiya factory in Russia's Lipetsk Oblast
Ukraine's Special Operations Forces, in coordination with other defence forces units, have carried out a strike on the Energiya defence company in the city of Yelets in Russia's Lipetsk Oblast on the night of 22-23 May. The factory produced batteries for aerial bombs, Iskander missiles and naval weaponry. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Details: A series of explosions occurred on the site, followed by a large-scale fire. Early reports indicate that the target was hit, though the consequences of the attack are still being confirmed. Quote: "Energiya is one of the largest manufacturers of chemical power sources in Russia. The company is the only producer of batteries for gliding and correction modules installed on aerial bombs." Details: The factory also produces batteries for the Iskander-M tactical missile system, sea-launched cruise missiles and a range of universal batteries used in the power systems of specialised equipment. The General Staff noted that halting this production could significantly hinder Russian forces' technical ability to plan missile attacks and operate high-precision weapons. Background: It was reported that drones had struck a battery factory in the Russian city of Yelets, causing fires, according to media outlets and Russian Telegram channels. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Newsweek
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Ukraine Destroys $16M Russian 'Alligator' Helicopter in Drone Strike
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Russian attack helicopter was downed by a Ukrainian drone, according to Kyiv's military. Ukraine's Special Operations Forces said it had successfully targeted the Russian Ka-52 "Alligator" helicopter, worth an estimated $16 million, over Ukrainian territory, posting video of what it said showed the strike. Newsweek has been unable to verify the footage and has contacted the Russian Defense Ministry for comment. A Russian Kamov Ka-52 "Alligator" military attack helicopter is pictured at the Dubai Airshow on November 13, 2023. A Russian Kamov Ka-52 "Alligator" military attack helicopter is pictured at the Dubai Airshow on November 13, 2023. GIUSEPPE CACACE//Getty Images Why It Matters Ukraine has used drones to considerable effect on the front line, causing Russia to face high losses of troops and equipment. The strike on a Russian helicopter further demonstrates these capabilities. What To Know Ukraine's Special Operations Forces' Bombus Balista unit said it had conducted a successful strike on a Russian Ka-52 "Alligator" attack helicopter using an FPV (first person view) drone. A video posted on social media appears to show the drone targeting the helicopter as it is on combat patrol over Ukrainian territory. No date or specific location was given for the operation. The post described it as a calculated strike that added to the further attrition of Russian aerial assets. ❗️A Ukrainian FPV drone hit a Russian Ka-52 Alligator helicopter. The helicopter is worth about $16 million. Glory! — Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) May 16, 2025 In May 2024, Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian Ka-52 "Alligator" helicopter. On February 7 this year, another Ka-52 with its crew was taken down by a shoulder-launched MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense System) near Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, according to Ukraine's United24 Media. Missiles and drones launched by Ukrainian Special Operations Forces have struck other high-value Russian military assets, according to reports, including a $45 million Russian Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile system in May and a rare Uragan multiple launch rocket system, United 24 Media reported. On Saturday, Ukrainian security service drones struck an ammunition depot used by Russia's 126th Coastal Defense Brigade in the southern Crimean Peninsula, causing a large explosion and fire, according to the Kyiv Independent citing an unnamed security official. The depot, located near a key highway between Simferopol and Alushta on the occupied peninsula, housed military equipment, ammunition and fuel storage facilities. What People Are Saying Ukraine's Special Operations Forces' Bombus Balista unit: "The Ka-52 attempted a combat patrol over Ukrainian fields, but did not anticipate the presence of our tactical drone group 'Bombus.'" What Happens Next President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in April that his country would step up production of long-range drones and ground-based robotic systems. Ukraine's drone campaign targeting Russian military facilities continues apace and following the strike on Crimea, Ukraine's Security Service told the Kyiv Independent "efforts to degrade (Russia's) military capabilities will continue."
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Moment £102m-worth of Putin's firepower explodes in Ukrainian drone strikes
Ukrainian forces have destroyed over £100million worth of Putin's weapons in drone strikes - one video shows a BUK-M3 anti-aircraft missile system exploding in a huge fireball Incredible footage shows the moment £102million worth of Vladimir Putin 's weapons are destroyed in a 'pinpoint' Ukrainian drone strike. Ukraine 's Special Operations Forces said the BUK-M3 anti-aircraft missile system was destroyed in a targeted operation in Zaporizhia Oblast, located to the east of the country. The video shows the expensive weapon exploding in a huge fireball, with a mushroom cloud rising high above the surrounding forest. It followed another successful operation that took out a BUK-M1 surface-to-air missile system - valued at £25 million - just two days earlier. Describing the moment of impact, Militarnyi, a Ukrainian military news outlet, wrote: 'At the time of the strike, the surface-to-air missile system was likely not in a combat position, which made it possible to successfully detect and destroy it. "After the precise hit, the ammunition detonated, and a fire broke out, completely destroying the launcher. 'The destruction of the system occurred near the settlement of Verkhnii Tokmak in the Zaporizhzhia region.' It comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he will be "waiting" for Putin in Turkey this week for crucial face-to-face talks about ending the war, following recent pressure from US and European leaders for the two sides to reach a settlement. The Kremlin has refused to say whether Putin will be at the talks, which US President Donald Trump has urged the two sides to Zelensky told reporters in Kyiv that he will be in Ankara on Thursday to conduct negotiations. He will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the two will wait for Mr Putin to arrive, he Ukrainian leader said he would "do everything to agree on a ceasefire" but that Putin must come and see him, "as only he can decide on it". Zelensky said that if Mr Putin chooses Istanbul to hold the meeting, then both leaders will travel there. It would be the first time the pair have met since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. But he warned: "If Putin does not arrive and plays games, it is the final point that he does not want to end the war." Zelensky added that if Mr Putin does not show up, European and US leaders should follow through with threats of additional heavy sanctions against has also been invited to the talks because "it would give an additional push for Putin to fly in", but the White House has not confirmed whether he will attend, Mr Zelensky said. The US president, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, will still be on his four-day Middle East trip on Thursday. It comes after Russia reportedly put together a secret list of countries on Vladimir Putin 's 'hitlist', with towns and cities up and down the UK potentially at risk of nuclear attack. The Russian despot's apparent willingness to consider using the weapons further highlights threats he has made to Western nations supporting Ukraine. While Putin has threatened the UK and other countries, he has failed to follow through with any attacks other than on Ukraine. The alarming revelation highlights the continued threat of a nuclear exchange that has existed since the end of the Cold War, with several UK cities said to be on the list of potential targets.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukraine reports destroying Russian Buk air defense system, Uragan rocket launcher
Ukrainian Special Operations Forces' attack drones destroyed a Russian Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile system and a Uragan-1 multiple launch rocket system (MLSR), the military branch reported on May 13. During reconnaissance in an unspecified front-line sector, Special Operations Forces' operators detected the Buk-M3 and the Uragan-1 on combat duty, the unit said. Ukrainian forces then launched attack drones and hit the targets, destroying the Buk-M3 system with an estimated value of $45 million, as well as its ammunition. The statement did not specify the time of the attack. 0:00 / 1× The Buk-M3 is one of Russia's key air defense assets, used to engage targets in the air, on the ground, and on the water, according to Ukraine's Special Operations Forces. The Soviet-era Buk surface-to-air missile systems are used both by Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine inherited Buk anti-aircraft systems from the Soviet Union, but the weapons typically use Russian-produced missiles. In 2023, Ukraine announced it had converted the systems to fire U.S. missiles. The Uragan-1 is a Russian multi-caliber rocket launcher with the ability to swap launch containers. It operates with calibers of 200 and 300 mm. Read also: 'Like a game of tennis' — Russia, Ukraine court Trump to avoid being blamed for peace talks failure We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
