Ukraine strikes Russian anti-aircraft missile site near Putin's Black Sea residence
Ukrainian forces hit an S-400 missile launch platform near the alleged holiday complex of Russian President Vladimir Putin, causing a fire that lasted several hours.
Ukrainian unmanned-systems units reported that an S-400 "Triumph" anti-aircraft missile launch pad near the Black Sea resort town of Gelendzhik was hit on Saturday, igniting a blaze that burned for about three hours, according to Major Robert Brovdi of Ukraine's unmanned systems forces. The launch site, originally intended to target drones, missiles and aircraft, had reportedly been repurposed to fire missiles at Ukrainian cities, Brovdi added.
The attack comes as Kyiv continues to target logistical and energy facilities inside Russia, while also confronting a shortage of Patriot air-defence systems. Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Russia has been launching more missiles weekly than Ukraine receives from its partners in the same period.
University of Oslo missile expert Fabian Hoffmann told the Telegraph that, although less precise than other weapons, such missiles still pose a risk to civilian infrastructure when used against densely populated areas.
The Gelendzhik complex has been linked to President Putin for years, though he has denied personal ownership. In 2021, Russian businessman Arkady Rotenberg claimed the property belonged to him after a video by opposition activist Alexei Navalny highlighted alleged corruption surrounding the palace.
Russian officials have not commented on the recent strike, and no casualties have been confirmed.