Ukraine targeted five of Russia's air defense systems worth an estimated $350 million in a single day, serving a blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin's exhausted military in the nearly three-year-old war.
Russia lost two Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and gun systems and one OSA air defense system, as well as two S-300 air defense systems, according to Ukraine's military and a war reporter.
Newsweek has reached out to the Russian government for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Ukraine has frequently zeroed-in on Russia's advanced air-defense systems, and Monday's reported loss marks a success for Kyiv's military as both sides continue to sustain significant casualties in the war.
Russia's Pantsir-S1 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun and missile system has been used throughout Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is believed to be worth in the region of $15 to $20 million.
The mobile, short-range system is designed for use against aircraft, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions, and for supporting other air-defense units against larger strikes.
Russia has deployed the systems to protect its prized assets, including the Kerch Bridge, a strategically vital structure used by Russia to connect with occupied Crimea.
Russia's OSA-AKM anti-aircraft missile system is believed to be worth $10 million, while the S-300 air defense systems are estimated to cost $150 million each.
What To Know
The Ukrainian Navy said Monday that the two Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and gun systems and one OSA air defense system were destroyed in a single day.
Ukraine's Defense Ministry separately confirmed the destruction of one of the Pantsir-S1 systems in Ukraine's Kherson region, sharing a 12-second clip that purportedly shows a drone closing in on the object.
Ukrainian war reporter Andriy Tsaplienko posted about the destruction of two Russian S-300 air defense systems in 24 hours.
Newsweek couldn't independently verify the battlefield claims.
Who Said What
The Ukrainian Navy wrote in a post on its social-media channels on Monday: "Three Russian air defense systems were destroyed (damaged) by the forces and means of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"The Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, together with units of other components of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, continue to destroy the enemy on land, at sea, and in the air."
Ukraine's Defense Ministry commented on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday: "Another 'no-analogue' scrap metal. Ukrainian drones destroyed a Pantsir-S1 air defense system in the Kherson region."
Ukrainian war reporter Andriy Tsaplienko posted on his Telegram channel on Monday: "Within 24 hours, two enemy S-300 air defense systems were destroyed in the area of responsibility of the Southern Defense Forces."
What Happens Next
As the war enters its fourth year, Ukraine will continue to target Russia's prized military assets in a push to gain the initiative.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War, a U.S. think tank, previously assessed that the Ukrainian military is likely engaged in a campaign aimed at degrading Russian air defenses; if successful, it "could enable Ukraine to more effectively leverage manned fixed-wing airpower in the long run."
English (US) ·