The Ukrainian military has dealt a significant blow to Russian air capabilities with a series of drone attacks on air bases, which have resulted in the destruction of six Russian warplanes and damage to eight others. These bold strikes represent a crucial tactical move by Ukraine amidst ongoing hostilities.
According to reports, Ukrainian drones targeted the Morozovsk airfield in Russia’s southern Rostov region, which is home to Su-24, Su-24M, and Su-34 frontline bombers utilized by the Russian forces to carry out attacks on Ukrainian army positions and cities along the frontline. A source was quoted stating, “At least six Russian military aircraft were destroyed, and another eight were heavily damaged. In addition to the equipment, about 20 Russian servicemen were either killed or wounded.” These developments underscore the increasingly innovative and audacious methods being deployed by Ukraine in response to Russian aggression.
The operation’s importance was stressed by a source, who articulated, “This operation is of paramount importance and will significantly diminish the combat capabilities of the Russian forces.”
Russian officials acknowledged the attack, with Russia’s defense ministry claiming to have downed a total of 53 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 44 over the Rostov region. The offensive also targeted other areas such as the Belgorod and Kursk border regions, and Saratov and Krasnodar, indicating a widespread effort by Ukrainian forces to disrupt Russian military infrastructure. Additionally, the governor of the Rostov region reported damage to a local power station in the attack.
Relevant articles:
– Kyiv Confirms Ukrainian Drones Destroyed 6 Russian Planes at Air Base, as Many as 3 Sites Blasted, Fri, 05 Apr 2024 11:48 AM
– Sources: SBU attack against Russia’s Morozovsk airbase destroys 6 planes, Kyiv Independent, Fri, 05 Apr 2024 11:27 AM
– Ukraine war: Six Russian warplanes ‘destroyed and eight damaged’ in attack on Putin air base, Yahoo Movies UK, Fri, 05 Apr 2024 7:02 PM GMT+8
– Six aircraft reportedly destroyed in Ukrainian drone strike on Russian air base — Novaya Gazeta Europe, Новая газета. Европа, Fri, 05 Apr 2024 6:45 PM