The Russian Occupation Authority reported a significant number of airstrikes conducted against occupied Crimea and surrounding areas during the night of May 3
According to them, nearly 100 Ukrainian drones and 11 missiles were destroyed during this period, posing a serious challenge to Ukraine's defensive forces and demonstrating the intensity of Russian attacks. Russian military officials claim to have shot down 11 missiles, most of which are high-maneuverability Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles, as well as three Neptune-MD guided missiles. Additionally, their reports mention the destruction of 170 Ukrainian UAVs flying towards Ukrainian positions and strategic targets. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the majority of these drones — 96 — were shot down over occupied Crimea. Another 47 drones were shot down over the Krasnodar Krai, nine over the Rostov region, and eight each over the Bryansk and Kursk regions. It is also reported that two drones were destroyed over the Belgorod region. Russian air defense reportedly also responded successfully over the Black Sea area, shooting down eight Storm Shadow cruise missiles, as well as three Ukrainian Neptune-MD guided missiles. However, the information regarding the number of drones shot down remains incomplete, as Russian forces have not disclosed the total number of UAVs lost in this missile and bomb attack. These data indicate ongoing activity by Russian forces and highlight the tense situation around Crimea, which serves as a strategic foothold for Russian troops. Ukrainian military and informational sources have not yet commented on the number of targets hit, keeping many details confidential. Nevertheless, it is clear that the struggle for control of the airspace remains one of the main components of the Ukrainian-Russian confrontation.