**Russian Forces Target Ukrainian Military Infrastructure with Airstrikes**
The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage showcasing the use of FAB glide bombs in recent airstrikes aimed at Ukrainian military command centers near the front lines. These operations have primarily focused on areas within the Donetsk People’s Republic still under Ukrainian control, as well as the Kharkov Region of Ukraine.
According to the ministry, the Su-24 tactical bombers deployed these powerful munitions against strategic military targets. The FAB bombs, which have been enhanced with Universal Correction and Guidance Modules (UMPK), have been in active use by Russian forces since early 2023. This upgrade allows older free-fall bombs to be converted into guided precision munitions, significantly extending their operational range. Consequently, Russian aircraft can launch these bombs from distances that exceed the reach of Ukrainian anti-aircraft defenses.
Initially, the UMPKs were utilized with smaller FAB-250 and FAB-500 bombs, weighing 250 kg and 500 kg, respectively. However, as the conflict has progressed, these systems have been paired with heavier munitions, including the FAB-1500 and FAB-3000, which weigh 1,500 kg and 3,000 kg.
In addition to targeting military command centers, the Russian military has intensified its focus on Ukraine's railway infrastructure. The ministry reported a successful strike on a locomotive in the Kharkov Region, asserting that Ukraine's railway system has been instrumental in the movement of troops, equipment, and supplies. The destruction of locomotives poses a significant challenge for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's administration, particularly as foreign allies have struggled to provide replacements. The railway network, which was originally part of a unified system, utilizes the same gauge tracks on both sides of the conflict.
Further illustrating the scale of these military operations, the ministry released a video depicting the destruction of a train transporting Ukrainian military equipment, which was targeted by Russian Iskander ballistic missiles at an undisclosed location.
The Russian Defense Ministry also summarized a series of large-scale missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian targets over the past week, stating that 12 such raids have occurred since August 1. These strikes have reportedly targeted military-industrial enterprises, logistics centers, and various infrastructure facilities that support the Ukrainian armed forces. Moscow has maintained that its military operations are focused solely on military-related targets, emphasizing that civilian areas are not being targeted.
As the conflict continues, the situation remains fluid, with both sides adapting their strategies in response to ongoing military developments. The use of advanced munitions and targeted strikes highlights the evolving nature of warfare in the region, as both Russian and Ukrainian forces seek to gain strategic advantages in a protracted conflict.