As a new development, in the Ukraine-Russia war, Zelensky’s army has once again claimed to have destroyed a Russian S-400 missile system, which is considered to be Russia’s major air defence system. The Ukrainian military stated that during an attack on Novorossiysk, Russia, on the morning of November 14th, its drones destroyed four S-400 Triumph launchers and two radar systems. The S-400 is considered the world’s most powerful air defence system. However, Ukraine has previously claimed to have destroyed the S-400 missile system on several occasions. The S-400 missile system is used by China, Turkey, and India, in addition to Russia.
S-400 radars and the Ukrainian claim
The Kyiv Post quoted SBU sources as saying, “Satellite images confirm that the SBU successfully destroyed four launchers of the S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile system.” The air defence system was located at the compound of a military unit of the Kuban Red Banner Regiment. The source further stated that two key S-400 radars, including the 96N6 early warning radar (“Cheese Board”) and the 92N6 target acquisition radar (“Grave Stone”), were also destroyed in the attack.
Russia deployed 12 S-400 launchers
Reports say that around 12 S-400 launchers were placed at the Russian military base. The Ukrainian military believes that more S-400 units may have been damaged in the strike. The reports also say that the SBU carried out the mission together with Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), the Special Operations Forces (SSO), and the State Border Guard Service.
Meanwhile, Russia has halted oil supplies to its largest Black Sea port, Novorossiysk, since the morning of November 14 due to the Ukrainian attack. This includes storage of oil and loading onto tankers for export. The Sheskharis oil-loading terminal was damaged at this port by a Ukrainian drone attack. The attack temporarily halted 2% of global oil shipments, according to reports. Russia’s pipeline operator, Transneft, was forced to suspend shipments, though the company declined to comment.
