Russian Missile Brigade Base in Crimea Struck, Triggering Explosions and Fire

Missile Unit Hit in Occupied Crimea

According to Главком: On February 23, a strike targeted the base area of a missile division belonging to Russia's 15th Separate Coastal Missile Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet in occupied Crimea. The incident resulted in a series of explosions and a large-scale fire. According to Ukraine's General Staff, a radar station was also hit in the attack. This strike is part of a broader pattern of targeting Russian military infrastructure on the peninsula, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.

The 15th Separate Coastal Missile Brigade is armed with Bastion combat missile systems, which launch Onyx supersonic missiles equipped with active radar homing seekers. Occupation media reported missile arrivals on the Tarkhankut Cape and confirmed a hit on a 48Ya6-K1 Podlyot radar station. The Podlyot station is designed to detect low and extremely low-altitude aerial targets and provides targeting data for Russian S-300 and S-400 air defense systems.

Widespread Mobile and Internet Communication Failures

It is also notable that occupied Crimea is experiencing regular disruptions to mobile communications and internet service, lasting from several hours to several days. These issues are being recorded across major Russian providers operating in the region, including:

• Beeline
• MTS
• Megafon
• Tele2

Despite the persistent service outages, operators continue to charge subscribers their full monthly fees. Furthermore, hidden price increases for plans with reduced data allowances have been documented on the peninsula.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed: 'Strikes on targets have been recorded. Enemy losses are being clarified.'

This incident underscores the escalating tension in the region and may indicate an intensification of Ukrainian military operations. Strikes on strategic assets like radar stations could significantly degrade the ability of Russian forces to maintain air defense over occupied Crimea. The ongoing communication and internet problems further point to potential difficulties in military coordination and disrupt daily life for the peninsula's residents.