Ukraine confirms destruction of RT-70 radio telescope in Crimea

Ukrainian Navy forces have confirmed the destruction of a number of key Russian targets in temporarily occupied Crimea, including the unique RT-70 radio telescope.

Speaking during a telethon, Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Captain 3rd Rank Dmytro Pletenchuk commented on reports from the Main Intelligence Directorate regarding strikes on several radar and air defence systems on the peninsula, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

Pletenchuk noted that Crimea, occupied since 2014, hosts a large number of Russian air defence systems. “How many radar systems are deployed there, even the Russians themselves might not tell you. There is constant movement and continuous support of the echelon, maintaining a high density across the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea. This is not accidental — it’s intended to protect the so-called Crimean Bridge and the entire military infrastructure of Crimea,” he said.

The layered Russian air defence in Crimea also covers Novorossiysk in Russia, where, among other assets, Black Sea Fleet missile carriers are based. Pletenchuk added that many of these systems also monitor the Azov Sea region.

He emphasised that reducing this air defence density is a top priority, noting that high air defence coverage complicates the execution of other Ukrainian military missions.

By Khagan Isayev