Ukraine announced that it had raised its flag over the Russian-annexed Crimea Peninsula overnight in a special operation. Meanwhile, the country is commemorating Independence Day on August 24th.
Ukraine on Thursday said it flew its flag on the Russian-annexed Crimean Peninsula overnight after conducting a “special joint operation” there with its Navy as the country celebrates Independence Day.
Kyiv had repeatedly said it aims to take back Crimea, recognized internationally as part of Ukraine but controlled by Russia since 2014, when Moscow’s forces seized the peninsula.
Ukraine’s GUR intelligence agency said in a statement that its special forces landed on Crimea’s western shore near Olenivka and Mayak, where it “engaged in combat.”
“As a result, the enemy suffered losses among personnel, enemy equipment was destroyed,” it said, adding that the “state flag flew again in the Ukrainian Crimea.”
Ukraine has launched multiple attacks on the Russian-annexed peninsula since the start of Moscow’s invasion and refers to the territory as “temporarily occupied” in statements.
On Wednesday, Kyiv said it destroyed a powerful Russian S-400 anti-aircraft system in that area, which it said inflicted a “painful blow” on enemy air defenses.
Moscow has also accused Ukraine of attacking the Russian-built Crimean bridge, which has been closed due to multiple incidents, including a massive explosion in October last year.
Miroslava Salazar, with AFP
