Ukraine Destroyed 96 Russian Air-Launched Missiles in March 20 Attack

Ukraine's armed forces destroyed 96 Russian air-launched cruise missiles in a strike on the Engels-2 airbase on March 20, according to an official statement from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The attack, which reportedly caused a secondary detonation, eliminated missiles intended for upcoming Russian strikes in March and April.

The statement also highlighted that the attack on fuel storage sites at the airbase resulted in the destruction of significant reserves, affecting Russia’s ability to sustain combat operations.

Meanwhile, tensions have escalated following the deaths of three Russian journalists in Ukraine’s Luhansk region. A vehicle carrying media personnel was struck by HIMARS rockets two days ago, leaving another journalist seriously wounded. Russian state media labeled it a targeted attack, prompting Russia’s Investigative Committee to open criminal cases. The United Nations has called for an investigation, while Ukrainian media referred to the deceased as “propagandists.”

Ukraine also recently destroyed four Russian helicopters—two Ka-52 attack helicopters and two Mi-8 transport helicopters— in Belgorod using HIMARS rockets.

The Russian defense ministry stated that such attacks contradict Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s commitments to ceasefire discussions. It accused Kyiv of continuing to target Russian energy infrastructure despite assurances made to the U.S. and other partners, stating that these actions prove “it is impossible to come to an agreement with Kyiv.”