The attack focused on drone production sites and airfields, according to the Defense Ministry in Moscow
FILE PHOTO: Russian troops handling an Iskander missile during a training exercise in Belarus. © Sputnik / Russian Defence Ministry
Russian forces have carried out long-range strikes on Ukrainian drone production facilities and airfield infrastructure, the Defense Ministry in Moscow has announced in a regular report.
The attacks were launched early on Friday using drones and precision-guided missiles, targeting key components of Ukraine’s military-industrial complex, according to the ministry. It described the operation as a success.
The statement noted similar attacks carried out by Russia since last Saturday, aimed at various military targets. It mentioned weapons plants, airfields, munitions depots, military training centers, and buildings housing Ukrainian troops and “foreign mercenaries.”
Friday also marks the expiration of a US-mediated moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure.
On March 18, President Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian Defense Ministry to suspend strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities for 30 days. The moratorium was agreed during a phone call with US President Donald Trump in support of Washington’s peace mediation efforts.
While Ukraine publicly supported the arrangement, Moscow has accused Kiev of numerous violations of the partial ceasefire, including attempted drone strikes targeting vital gas infrastructure deep inside Russian territory. Moscow characterized the attacks as evidence that the Ukrainian government cannot be trusted.
When asked on Friday for comment regarding the expiration of the moratorium, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that “the month has indeed ended,” adding that “at this point, no further directives have come from the commander-in-chief.”