According to russian claims, air defenses shot down a total of 120 drones – 20 over the Black Sea and 100 over land. However, both video evidence and satellite data contradict this narrative, confirming successful strikes on key targets.
According to military expert Serhiy Zgurets, head of the Defense Express company, several russian airfields used for combat operations were hit, as he reports for Espreso TV.
Read more: Ukraine Carried Out Its Largest Drone Strike Yet on Crimean Airfields
Explosions were recorded near or at the airbases in Saky, Kacha, Hvardiyske, and Dzhankoy, with possible secondary strikes near Belbek. The scale and coordination of the attack suggest a deliberate effort to degrade russia’s operational and strategic infrastructure in Crimea.
Fire in the vicinity of the russian military airfield in Crimea / Video screenshot credit: ASTRA
Data from NASA services also confirm fires at military sites in Crimea. Some drones were also headed toward Yevpatoria.
According to Zgurets, such operations are typically conducted in phases. If the russians claim to have shot down 120 drones, it is likely that the actual number launched was much higher. Attacks of this scale usually begin with swarms of low-cost UAVs to saturate and distract enemy air defenses, followed by precision strikes using loitering munitions and anti-radiation weapons.
This latest strike appears to be even more complex and sophisticated. A video released by the Prymary unit of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine shows multiple FPV drone strikes on russian radar systems and air defense assets. Based on the footage, at least four radars used for missile guidance and two S-300V launchers were destroyed. These radars were reportedly in both combat and standby modes at the time of the strike.
Zgurets emphasizes that this operation was meticulously planned and
executed in several stages. The full extent of the damage is still being
assessed, but initial reports indicate that the strike significantly
disrupted russian air defense capabilities in Crimea.
Satellite fire monitoring services highlight the areas near Uhlove where fires were detected / Photo credit: Crimean Wind Telegram channel
According to Zgurets, this attack is also symbolically timed. As russia prepares for the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow, it is pushing for a temporary ceasefire. Ukraine, however, is focused on real steps toward a lasting and genuine end to the war – not just a pause during a propaganda spectacle.