AMK Mapping, an X account monitoring open-source intelligence on the conflict, reported Russia launched two to four Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles from the Crimea peninsula early today. The missiles targeted an area near the Buyalyk settlement in Odessa province, southern Ukraine, "potentially the Buyalyk air base".

Lost Armour, a Russia-based intelligence analysis website, reported that Russian air and missile forces conducted strikes across Donetsk, Sumy, Kharkov, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, and Kherson provinces on the night of 23/2 and early on 24/2. The report noted, "Some Zircon missiles targeted the Buyalyk area".

On the same day, the Ukrainian Air Force Command reported Russia launched 133 drones of various types and one Iskander-M ballistic missile from the Crimea peninsula. The command stated, "Air defense units shot down 111 drones. The missile and 19 drones struck 16 locations, with debris falling in one area". It did not mention any Zircon missile strikes on Buyalyk.

Odessa province's official website reported that Ukrainian air defense forces issued an air raid alert from the evening of 23/2 to the early morning of 24/2, citing missile attack risks. During this period, a projectile landed in the northern part of the province, and witnesses in the Buyalyk-Shiryaevo area reported a loud explosion. No drones were involved in this particular strike.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on the information.

Buyalyk air base on satellite image. Photo: Google Earth

The Buyalyk air base, southwest of its namesake settlement, historically hosted Soviet-era fighter units. Although it ceased operations in 2003, Ukraine reactivated the facility in 7/2014 for Su-24MR reconnaissance aircraft.

Russian military news sites claim Ukraine recently used the Buyalyk airfield to deploy long-range drones against Russian territory. The base was previously struck by an Iskander-M ballistic missile during an attack in 11/2025.

Location of the Buyalyk settlement. Graphic: RYV

Separately, AMK Mapping also reported that at least 12 Geran-2 kamikaze drones struck two 150 kV substations in Zaporizhzhia city's Khortytsia district, with most hits confirmed. Additionally, the Russian air force dropped nine to ten guided glide bombs on targets within and south of the city.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)