Ukraine strikes Russian missile brigade base in Kursk region

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian defense forces have struck the permanent base of Russia’s 448th missile brigade in the Kursk region, which Kyiv says was responsible for the recent deadly missile attack on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy.

According to a Ukrainian Defense Ministry statement, the attack was carried out by units of the Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces, Special Operations Forces, and the Security Service of Ukraine in coordination with other branches of the country’s military forces.

The targeted site is believed to be connected to those who “committed war crimes against the people of Ukraine,” including the April 13 strike on Sumy, it added.

"The location of the 448th missile brigade was hit, and secondary detonation of ammunition was recorded," it said, adding that damage assessments have been underway.

“Every Russian military unit and individual involved in the shelling of Ukrainian cities and civilians will be identified and punished,” the statement read.

Ukrainian forces vowed to continue “systematic operations against critical Russian military targets” until Moscow ends its war of aggression.

Meanwhile, Alexander Khinshtein, the acting governor of Russia's Kursk region, said emergency crews are still responding to the aftermath of Ukrainian drone strikes.

He reported damage to three apartment buildings, including collapsed ceilings and burnt interiors, as well as destruction or damage to 37 private homes -- five of which were completely destroyed by fire.