Kyiv, Ukraine — In a significant military development, Ukraine’s military intelligence announced it has successfully downed a Russian Su-30 fighter jet using a missile fired from a maritime drone. This event marks what is believed to be the first instance globally where a combat aircraft has been shot down by a naval unmanned aerial vehicle. According to a statement from the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), the fighter was targeted by a specialized unit known as Group 13 over the Black Sea near Novorossiisk, a key Russian port. While the Russian defense ministry has yet to issue a response, a prominent blogger affiliated with Russian military circles confirmed the incident, adding that the jet’s pilots managed to eject and were rescued by civilian sailors.
In related news, Novorossiisk’s mayor declared a state of emergency following a Ukrainian drone strike that reportedly damaged a grain terminal and several residential buildings. Local authorities indicated that at least five people sustained injuries as a result of the attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed a recent three-day truce proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as an insincere gesture, describing it as mere “theatrics.” Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s willingness to engage in a genuine ceasefire, but he criticized the feasibility of developing a concrete peace plan in such a short window. The Kremlin claims the truce, occurring during World War II commemorations in Russia, is meant to assess Ukraine’s commitment to long-term peace. Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, head of Russia’s Security Council, issued a stern warning, stating that the survival of Kyiv cannot be guaranteed if attacks occur during the commemoration.
On Sunday, a drone assault on Kyiv resulted in damage to numerous residential buildings and sparked fires across the city. Officials reported that debris from downed drones ignited blazes in various districts, notably Obolonskyi and Sviatoshynskyi. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that emergency medics were deployed to assist residents affected by the situation. Air raid alerts had been activated in Kyiv and parts of eastern Ukraine shortly after midnight, signaling ongoing concerns about air attacks.
The ongoing conflict continues to exact a heavy toll, with Russian shelling in the Donetsk region resulting in the deaths of two civilians on Saturday. Additionally, drone strikes in Kherson claimed another life, according to local officials. In Cherkasy, a separate Russian drone attack sparked multiple fires, highlighting the extensive damage and casualties caused by the hostilities.
As the situation evolves, both military action and diplomatic maneuverings are poised to shape the trajectory of the conflict in Ukraine. The challenges facing the nation remain profound, as leaders strive for peace amid escalating violence and ongoing threats from across the border.