Ukrainian tactical aviation has launched a series of targeted airstrikes against Russian positions in the southern sector of Ukraine, particularly in the Zaporizhzhia region, where Russian forces are occupying territory. The airstrikes aimed at eliminating Russian artillery, special forces, and an ammunition depot were followed by drone attacks on enemy infantry and equipment. The Southern Defense Forces released a video showcasing three precision airstrikes that successfully destroyed critical Russian assets.
The first airstrike took place near the village of Paramojane in Zaporizhzhia, where a guided aerial bomb hit a long-range 152mm towed gun, the 2A36 Guats B, eliminating it. The second strike targeted a field fortification where Russian troops had sought shelter. French-made bombs, likely AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire) models, were used in the second attack, destroying a group of Russian soldiers from the 22nd Separate Guard special-purpose brigade near Mn.
The third airstrike destroyed a Russian field ammunition depot hidden in a forested area near the village of Zerabianki. The video footage also shows a drone equipped with a thermite incendiary charge setting fire to a shelter containing a 57mm AP-57 anti-aircraft gun.
The use of French AASM bombs, an advanced upgrade kit for unguided bombs, has been a notable development in the Ukrainian military’s arsenal. These bombs, equipped with guidance systems and solid fuel rocket motors, can reach up to 70 kilometres at high altitudes, providing Ukrainian forces with increased range and precision in targeting Russian positions.
In addition to the airstrikes, Ukrainian forces have also achieved significant success on the ground. A Russian BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle was destroyed after its turret was completely torn off, likely due to a catastrophic ammunition detonation. Despite being one of Russia’s more advanced models, the BMP-3 continues to fall victim to Ukrainian drones, anti-tank weapons, and artillery.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have faced considerable losses on the battlefield. The head of Bryansk Electromechanical Plants Design Bureau, Yevgeni Ritnikov, was killed in an IED attack near the Ukrainian border on April 18. Russian military assaults have continued across multiple fronts, but experts suggest that the slow pace of Russian advances indicates that a breakthrough is unlikely. Despite this, Russia’s ongoing offensive efforts are not expected to collapse anytime soon, although the situation remains fluid.
The ongoing conflict has drawn sharp responses from global political leaders. US President Donald Trump has suggested that Ukraine should accept Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected any such concessions, emphasising Ukraine’s stance on reclaiming all occupied territories.
Ukrainian officials, including lawmaker Yahur Cherniev, have reiterated that Ukraine will not sign any peace agreement that recognises Russia’s territorial gains.
