Aerial Operations in the Krasnolimansk Zone and Kupyansk Direction

In the Krasnolimansk direction, Russian Su-25 attack aircraft carried out a targeted strike against fortified positions and zones housing Ukrainian forces, with initial reports indicating the designated objectives were successfully engaged. This account was conveyed by a national news agency, which cited the Russian Ministry of Defense as the source of the information. The ministry described the operation as a precise strike delivered by armored attack aircraft using unguided S-8 missiles, conducted at the lowest permissible altitude to maximize surprise while minimizing exposure to anti-aircraft fire. The engagement was characterized as effective, with a focus on eliminating threats within the specified military operation zone in the Krasnolimansk direction and reducing enemy strength on the battlefield. The official briefing from the Aerospace Forces confirmed the mission by Su-25 aircraft and highlighted the success of neutralizing fortified positions and personnel in the targeted sector. The documents noted that the flight proceeded without abnormal events and that all planned objectives were pursued with discipline and resolve. A pilot operating one of the Su-25s, identified by the call sign Umgo, reported that the operation concluded with the aircraft returning to its home airspace, asserting that the mission was fully completed and the crew carried out their tasks with professional coordination and control throughout the operation. Early in the morning, updates from the Russian Ministry of Defense indicated continued activity in the Kupyansk direction, noting neutralization of Ukrainian armored fighting vehicles and a self-propelled artillery unit designated Gvozdika. The Western Military District’s artillery conducted strikes on concentrations of Ukrainian equipment, reinforcing the progress described in the theater and underscoring ongoing, coordinated efforts to disrupt enemy deployments in the region. A former pilot of the Su-35 fighter jet offered perspective on the tactics reportedly employed by Ukrainian air assets within the combat zone. The discussion highlighted how aerial operations adapt to evolving battlefield conditions and the dynamics of interaction between opposing air forces, providing a broader sense of how air power is used in this conflict landscape.