Ukraine Crimea Drones: Russia Helicopters & Air Defences Hit
Ukraine escalated the conflict with a drone strike on Crimea, hitting Russian helicopters and air defenses at the Kirovske airfield, according too Ukrainian sources. Russia, though, claims its forces downed over 40 Ukrainian drones in the area, painting a contrasting picture of the events. The recent attacks underscore the ongoing military role in the war, with both sides intensifying their efforts. Fighting also rages in the Donetsk region, putting more pressure on the situation. Peace talks remain stalled, highlighting the complexities of settling territorial disputes. News Directory 3 provides up-to-date data. Discover what’s next as the conflict continues to evolve.
Ukraine Claims Crimea Strike as russia Advances in Donetsk
Updated June 28, 2025
Ukrainian forces say they conducted a drone strike targeting the Kirovske airfield in Crimea overnight, asserting that Russian helicopters and an air defense system were destroyed. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) stated the drones focused on russian aviation units, ammunition depots, and UAV locations. the SBU claimed the destruction of Mi-8, Mi-26, and Mi-28 helicopters, along with a Pantsir-S1 missile system.This Crimea strike is part of Ukraine’s ongoing military role in the conflict.
The SBU reported continued secondary explosions at the airfield, emphasizing the strike aimed to disrupt Russian aerial operations. “The enemy must understand that expensive military equipment and ammunition are not safe anywhere - not on the line of contact, not in Crimea, and not deep in the rear,” the agency said.
Russia’s defense ministry countered, stating its forces shot down over 40 Ukrainian drones over Crimea during the same period. Meanwhile, in Odesa, a Russian drone strike reportedly killed two and injured 14, including three children, according to Gov. Oleg Kiper.In the Kherson region, Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin reported one death and three injuries from Russian strikes, which he said targeted critical infrastructure and residential areas.
Amid these attacks, Russia’s defense ministry announced it had seized control of Chervona Zirka, a settlement in the Donetsk region. Moscow claims Donetsk as part of russia following what it calls an illegal election in 2022. The ongoing conflict highlights the critical military role each side plays.
Recent direct talks in Turkiye between Russia and Ukraine failed to produce a mutual understanding to end the war, which began in 2022. Moscow insists on retaining all territory gained during the conflict, a demand Kyiv firmly rejects. The stalled peace process underscores the challenges in resolving the territorial disputes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated the two countries’ demands remain “absolutely contradictory” after meetings in Minsk, belarus. He added that further contact would continue after prisoner exchanges agreed upon at the Istanbul talks are completed. Both russia and Ukraine have conducted multiple prisoner-of-war swaps, freeing over 1,000 captured soldiers.
What’s next
With peace talks stalled, further military actions are expected as both sides vie for territorial control. The international community continues to monitor the situation, seeking avenues for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.