The Ukrainian Armed Forces have reported carrying out overnight strikes on military airfields located in Russian-occupied territory. The targets were near Berdiansk in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and Luhansk.
Debris collected from Berdiansk appears to be consistent with the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile system. On 22 September US President Joe Biden informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the United States would provide a limited number of ATACMS.
The strikes were directed at “helicopters and airfield equipment of the Russian occupying forces.” Additionally, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported carrying out four strikes on Russian military personnel, weapons, and military equipment over the last 24 hours.
According to the morning update, the attacks hit two helicopters on landing sites and an ammunition depot. Currently, Ukraine is engaged in counter-offensive operations in the direction of Berdiansk on the southern front. Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, the city has been under occupation. Similarly, Luhansk, along with Donetsk and Crimea, has been occupied by Russia since 2014.
Western long-range weapon deliveries have enabled Ukrainian forces to strike deep into Russian-occupied territory, including Crimea. Due to the significance of Crimea for Russian logistics routes, Ukraine has repeatedly attacked Russian military targets on the peninsula since the summer.
