Russia launches fierce air strikes against many military targets in Ukraine

(CLO) The Russian military has launched a series of retaliatory strikes on military targets in Ukraine after Kiev launched a missile attack on Russia's Rostov region, using weapons supplied by the US and the UK.

On December 20, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the implementation of long-range precision airstrikes, hitting important Ukrainian targets, including the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) checkpoint, the Luch Design Bureau, and the location of the Patriot air defense missile system.

The SBU control station plays an important role in intelligence and national security. The Luch design bureau in Kiev is responsible for the development and manufacture of important missile systems such as the Neptune and Olkha missiles, as well as cruise missiles.

A building hit by a Russian missile in Kiev, Ukraine on December 20, 2024. (Photo courtesy of AP, not for reuse)

The US-made Patriot air defense missile system is one of the key defense systems deployed by Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that all these targets were successfully hit and attacked, increasing the level of damage at Ukrainian military facilities.

Following the airstrikes, an air alert was issued across Ukraine on the morning of December 20. Large explosions occurred in the capital Kiev, leading to a major fire in the Solomensky and Shevchenkovsky districts. Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said a heating pipe was damaged in the explosion, causing damage to the city's vital infrastructure.

Outside the capital Kiev, explosions and fires were also reported in the area of ​​the Artyom military factory, which produces air-to-air missiles and military equipment for aircraft. Witnesses at the scene described a series of large explosions and said the factory had been badly damaged. Explosions were also reported in Kherson, which is controlled by Ukrainian forces.

Earlier on December 18, Ukraine launched a massive missile attack on Russia’s Rostov region. The attack included six long-range ATACMS missiles supplied by the United States and four British-made Storm Shadow missiles. However, Russian defense forces shot down all of the ATACMS missiles and three of the Storm Shadow missiles, with the remaining missile being knocked off target.

Although the Russian military intercepted most of the missiles, a Russian facility in the Rostov region was damaged in the attack. Russia's response to the attack was a retaliatory airstrike on key targets in Ukraine.

Ngoc Anh (according to TASS, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nga-khong-kich-dap-tra-du-doi-nhieu-muc-tieu-quan-su-o-ukraine-post326677.html