Top Russian Commander Killed in Crimea Strike—Reports

A top Russian commander was killed in an attack on annexed Crimea by Ukrainian forces last week, it has been reported.

News of the death of Russian Colonel Vadim Nailyovich Ismagilov, commander of the 3rd Signals Intelligence Regiment of Russia's Aerospace Forces, comes after Ukrainian troops struck a command post of a Russian military unit near Sevastopol in Crimea on January 4.

The Chelyabinsk Higher Military Automotive Command and Engineering School, from which he graduated in 2003, said on social media platform VKontakte on Wednesday that a farewell to the colonel would take place in Chelyabinsk on Thursday at 11 a.m. local time.

The Ukrainian Military Center, a public organization, said the Russian colonel "was eliminated in Crimea." Krym.realii, the Crimean project of the Ukrainian service of Radio Liberty, said Ismagilov's regiment was called the "eyes" of Crimea's air defense division.

Newsweek has contacted Russia's Defense Ministry for comment by email. The Kremlin hasn't commented on news of his death.

Kyiv said it had struck the command post and a military unit near the city of Yevpatoria in separate strikes on the Black Sea peninsula, which was annexed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2014.

After the January 4 strikes, Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk thanked the pilots and "everyone who planned the operation for perfect combat work" in a message on Telegram.

Russia said its air defenses shot down 10 guided missiles over Crimea, and that it had prevented an attempt by Ukraine's forces to carry out a "terrorist attack." Russia's Defense Ministry said it also intercepted 36 Ukrainian drones over the peninsula.

This is a developing story and will be updated when further information becomes available.

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