Ukrainian special forces have conducted strikes on Russian military targets in occupied Crimea, resulting in significant damage to two large landing ships of the Black Sea Fleet and the destruction of a radar station.
The operation, carried out by the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, occurred overnight on April 18-19. The targeted vessels included the ‘Yamal’ and ‘Nikolai Filchenkov’, both of which had been actively involved in Russia’s military operations against Ukraine.
The ‘Yamal’, built in 1988, has a cargo capacity of up to 500 tons, allowing it to transport armored vehicles and troops. Its estimated value exceeds $80 million. The ‘Nikolai Filchenkov’, constructed in 1975, can carry up to 1,000 tons, facilitating the transport of multiple armored units and personnel. Its value is estimated at over $70 million.
Additionally, the operation led to the destruction of the ‘Podlyot-K1’ radar station, valued at approximately $5 million.
In a separate development, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to establish a European anti-ballistic missile system within a year. He stated that discussions are already underway with several European nations regarding this initiative.
“I believe we need to create our own anti-ballistic system within a year. We are in talks with several countries and are actively working on this,” Zelensky said during a televised interview on April 19.
On the ground, at least two individuals were injured in Kharkiv’s Osnovyansky district due to a drone strike attributed to Russian forces early on April 20. The city’s mayor, Igor Terekhov, confirmed the incident.
Meanwhile, Russian military forces launched attacks on the border town of Semenivka in the Chernihiv region using both ‘Molniya’ drones and FPV drones. Local authorities reported at least three explosions, although there were no immediate reports of casualties.
“The enemy used two strike drones, targeting civilian infrastructure in the town. We are currently clarifying additional details regarding the situation,” said Oleksandr Seliversotov, head of the Novhorod-Siverskyi District Administration.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, there were 206 combat engagements on the front lines on April 19, with Russian forces suffering approximately 1,050 military casualties. The most intense fighting occurred in the Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk, and Huliaipole directions.
“Yesterday, the enemy conducted 71 airstrikes, dropped 253 guided bombs, and launched 7,767 kamikaze drones, in addition to 2,916 shellings of populated areas and our military positions,” the report stated.
Russian airstrikes targeted areas including Ivanivka, Hahrylivka, and Velikomykhailivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region, as well as various locations in Zaporizhzhia.
Overall, Ukrainian defense forces reported the destruction of two tanks, two armored personnel carriers, 72 artillery systems, one air defense asset, and 1,427 drones, along with significant losses in Russian personnel.
Ukrainian forces have successfully targeted Russian naval assets in Crimea, inflicting considerable damage. President Zelensky announced plans for a European anti-ballistic missile system, while ongoing attacks in Kharkiv and Semenivka highlight the persistent conflict dynamics.