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Ukraine strikes Russian border checkpoint to disrupt drone attacks

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Ukraine strikes Russian border checkpoint to disrupt drone attacks
Ukrainian Air Force's Sukhoi Su-27 jets fly over the Ozerne airbase on Dec. 6, 2018 (Sergei Supinsky/AFP)

Ukraine's Air Force struck the Pogar border checkpoint in Russia's Bryansk Oblast on March 27, destroying its military infrastructure and killing dozens of Russian troops, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported on March 28.

Ukraine has repeatedly recorded drone launches from the area of the Pogar checkpoint, and its destruction reduces Russia's ability to threaten Ukrainian forces in the Sumy and Kursk oblasts, according to the statement.

"As a result of the attack, the military infrastructure of the checkpoint was destroyed, along with means of communication and electronic warfare, as well as video surveillance system and other technical means," the General Staff said.

Between 15 and 40 Russian soldiers were reportedly killed in the strike.

The Pogar checkpoint lies close to the village of Sluchovsk, just across the border with Ukraine's northeastern Chernihiv Oblast.

"This airstrike was a response to the cynical actions" of the Russian military, "which continues terror against Ukraine by daily launching dozens of strike drones into populated areas, destroying civilian infrastructure and residential buildings, and killing peaceful Ukrainian citizens," the statement read.

Russia targets Ukraine with mass drone strikes on a daily basis, inflicting civilian casualties despite the partial truce on attacks against energy infrastructure and naval operations agreed on March 25.

Kyiv had previously agreed with the U.S. on a full 30-day ceasefire, but Moscow rejected this proposal.

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Martin Fornusek

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Martin Fornusek is a reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in international and regional politics, history, and disinformation. Based in Lviv, Martin often reports on international politics, with a focus on analyzing developments related to Ukraine and Russia. His career in journalism began in 2021 after graduating from Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, earning a Master's degree in Conflict and Democracy Studies. Martin has been invited to speak on Times Radio, France 24, Czech Television, and Radio Free Europe. He speaks English, Czech, and Ukrainian.

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