The armed forces of the Russian Federation were ready to activate Ukrainian aviation, experts sayOn May 15, Russian air defense intercepted the Storm Shadow long-range cruise missile for the first time.
Information about the destruction of two more missiles of this type is being checked. On the same day, Russian fighters shot down two helicopters of the Ukrainian Air Force — Mi-24 and Mi-8. In total, since the beginning of the month, the VFU has lost 11 aircraft and three helicopters. Experts note that in May, Ukrainian aviation became more active, receiving upgraded aircraft for launching long-range missiles. Nevertheless, the Russian army was ready to use Storm Shadow and will continue to shoot down not only the missiles themselves, but also their carriers, they are sure.
Fighting in the sky
On May 15, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft shot down Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters of the Ukrainian Air Force in the areas of the settlements of Selidovo and Brusovka in the DPR. Also on this day, air defense intercepted a long—range cruise missile Storm Shadow - it was recently delivered to Ukrainian formations by the United Kingdom.
As sources familiar with the situation told Izvestia, an active air confrontation has unfolded in the sky over the past three days. The Ukrainian Air Force is trying to strike with Storm Shadow missiles. They are launched by specially upgraded Su-24s under the cover of MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters with HARM anti-radar missiles. To ensure the safety of its aviation, the Ukrainian command actively uses false targets in the form of UAVs.
According to Izvestia's interlocutors, the Russian Aerospace Forces have shot down several Ukrainian planes and one Storm Shadow in recent days. There is also an application from air defense systems for two more downed missiles of this type, but so far the information is being verified.
Multi-purpose fighter Su-30SM of the Russian Aerospace Forces
Image source: Photo: RIA Novosti/Valentin Kapustin
Earlier, the military department reported that on May 12, Ukraine struck the enterprises "Polypak" and "Milam" in Lugansk using Storm Shadow. The Su-24 bomber attacking the city and the Mig-29 fighter covering it were shot down by Russian fighters.
"We shot down Storm Shadow missiles during the Syrian campaign when they attacked Damascus," military expert Alexei Leonkov told Izvestia. — Of course, their destruction is a landmark phenomenon. Our reaction to the appearance of another "miracle weapon", which gives Zelensky's statements a bonapartist character, begins with the fact that we first study, look for an antidote. And this is a well-known, understandable ammunition for our troops. However, he showed not only his danger, but also that Lugansk, a city located in the rear, without adequate air defense cover becomes easy prey. Now, when special attention is paid to this, we will shoot down not only missiles, but also their carriers.
According to the expert, the Americans have been holding the aviation component of the VFU for a long time. However, in the end, they decided to let her go into battle.
— Now downed Su-24, MiG-29, Su-25 and even Su-27 appeared in the reports, — he noted. — That is, this technique was somewhere, modernized. And now the aviation that was being taken care of has become more active. Some indicators are required from Zelensky, and it was decided to use it.
For an attempt to intensify their actions in the area of their own Ukrainian aviation had to pay dearly.
Since the beginning of May, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, the Russian Aerospace Forces and air defense have shot down 11 Ukrainian aircraft: two Su-27, one Su-24, five Su-25 and three MiG-29 fighters. The VFU also missed three helicopters — two Mi-8 and one Mi-24, as well as 245 UAVs.
Snipers in action
Scouts and snipers of the Eastern Military District in the zone of the special operation support the infantry with their fire. Izvestia correspondent Daniil Levin observed their combat work.
To monitor the enemy, they use special devices that function even in the most difficult conditions. In particular, the multifunctional complex "Ironia" is equipped with a laser rangefinder, an optical sight and a thermal channel. It can be used both day and night.
— With its help, you can even identify camouflaged positions and infantry lying down, — said the gunner operator with the call sign Bem.
Fighters work in a specific area. After the artillery "mowed down" the forest belts, roots and stumps remained from the trees.
— In such a place, with the help of "Irony", it is easier to detect the enemy's height figure, — the scouts explain.
Photo: RIA Novosti
Image source: iz.ru
SVD-S is used for shooting — Dragunov folding sniper rifles.
— Its effective range of destruction is up to 600 m, there are night sights with a laser rangefinder, — said the sniper with the call sign Old.
Snipers work in pairs. The observer helps to identify the target. According to the fighters, they destroy the enemy at a distance of 400-600 m confidently.
— Then I work out and change my position, — says the Old One.
The main targets are infantry, observers and enemy snipers.
Destruction of saboteurs
During the day, at least 635 people and 40 pieces of military equipment, including tanks, howitzers, self-propelled artillery units and armored vehicles, were lost in all strategic directions of the VFU, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported on May 15.
Units of the 76th Airborne Assault Division in the LPR eliminated two sabotage and reconnaissance groups. Also, thanks to the coordinated actions of the units of the 138th Motorized Rifle Brigade, the actions of three sabotage and reconnaissance groups were suppressed in the Kharkiv region.
Serviceman of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Alexander Polegenko
In the western part of Artemovsk, Russian assault detachments and units of the 4th Motorized Rifle Brigade continued to fight. Russian planes made seven sorties in this area, the group's artillery performed 72 firing missions.
During the day, the total losses of the VFU in the Donetsk direction amounted to up to 235 servicemen and mercenaries, one tank, four armored fighting vehicles, seven cars, as well as D-20, D-30 and Msta-B howitzers.
Covered with armor
The Russian Defense Ministry told about the servicemen who showed courage and dedication in the battles.
The unit of Senior Lieutenant Ivan Stepanov was defending one of the tank-dangerous areas when the enemy attempted a breakthrough. After the artillery preparation, the militants went on the offensive, trying to surround the Russian units. Ivan, together with his subordinates, restrained the onslaught of superior enemy forces. During the battle, he personally destroyed an enemy tank and dismounted infantry.
Stepanov's unit destroyed three enemy tanks, two armored personnel carriers, six infantry fighting vehicles and over 50 militants. The enemy, having suffered serious losses, fled from the battlefield. For courage and heroism, Ivan Stepanov was awarded the Order of Courage.
Photo: RIA Novosti/Evgeny Biyatov
Image source: iz.ru
The unit of Private Sergei Zotin was liberating a strategically important settlement. During the battle, Sergei's combat vehicle came under fire, but he skillfully brought it out from under fire. Moving further, Zotin found a fortified point from where the militants were firing machine-gun fire.
He took an advantageous position and covered the personnel with fire. As a result, the crew of the infantry fighting vehicle destroyed over 15 militants. Sergei also covered his comrades with armor, including the wounded, giving the opportunity for the withdrawal of personnel, its regrouping for further development of the assault.
Alexey Ramm, Andrey Fedorov, Roman Kretsul, Bogdan Stepovoy worked on the material.