Russian Air Defense Systems Destroy Ukrainian Neptune Anti-Ship Missile Over Black Sea

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukrainian forces have been carrying out increasing drone and missile strikes against Russian territory lately, with most of these attacks targeting civilian infrastructure.

Russian air defense systems have destroyed Ukrainian anti-ship missile Neptune over the northwestern part of the Black Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday.

"On January 5, 2024, at around 12:30 Moscow time [09:30 GMT], the Kiev regime's attempt to carry out a terrorist attack using the Neptune anti-ship missile at objects in Russian territory, was prevented. The Ukrainian missile was detected and destroyed over the northwestern part of the Black Sea by the air defense systems on duty," the Defense Ministry said.

The ministry further noted that the Russian military destroyed eight Storm Shadow cruise missiles, 14 Tochka-U tactical missiles, three S-200 missile systems, 107 rockets for HIMARS, Olkha and Vampir MLRS, three HARM anti-radar missiles and 253 unmanned aerial vehicles in a week.

The R-360 Neptune missile weighs 870 kilograms and can carry a warhead weighing 150 kilograms. Its launch range is up to 280 kilometers, its speed is about 900 kilometers per hour. The Ukrainian Armed Forces regularly try to strike Russian territory with Neptune missiles, but Russian air defenses intercept and destroys the shells.

Enemy Losses in South Donetsk Direction

Russia's Armed Forces inflicted sustainable damage to Ukrainian troops and equipment in South Donetsk direction.

According to Ministry of Defense, enemy losses amounted to up to 950 soldiers and 12 armored vehicles.

The ministry specified that the armed forces thwarted five Ukrainian attacks in the area, adding that artillery and aviation inflicted damage to Ukrainian troops near several cities, including Ugledar.

Enemy Losses in Kherson Direction

Russia's Armed Forces destroyed up to 225 Ukrainian troops in Kherson direction, as well as tank, Buk air defense system and ammunition depot.

In addition, the Russian Army destroyed two armored vehicles, 28 automobiles, 14 boats, 11 artillery guns and a radio-electronic warfare station.

High-Precision Strikes on Ukrainian Military Infrastructure

Russia's Armed Forces conducted 41 strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure, including defense firms, air bases, ammunition depots, and fuel storage facilities, as well as locations housing troops, including foreign mercenaries.

The strikes were conducted with high-precision weapons and drones.