Ukraine Hits Russian Air Base Amid Ongoing Drone Assaults
LONDON — Ukraine reported that it attacked a Russian air base on Saturday, continuing a cycle of escalated military actions that have marked the ongoing conflict. Russian forces, meanwhile, unleashed hundreds of drones on Ukraine overnight, further complicating prospects for peace in a war that has already spanned over three years.
According to Ukraine’s military General Staff, Ukrainian forces targeted the Borisoglebsk air base located in Russia’s Voronezh region. This base is known to house significant Russian fighter jets, including the Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-30SM. They indicated that the attack successfully struck a depot containing glide bombs, a training aircraft, and potentially other planes.
As for Russia, there was no immediate comment regarding the Ukrainian strike.
These tactical strikes aim to disrupt Russia’s military capabilities and send a strong message about Ukraine’s ability to reach critical targets within Russia itself. Just last month, Ukraine announced the destruction of over 40 Russian aircraft positioned at various airfields deep in Russian territory through a surprise drone offensive.
The situation intensified with Russia launching 322 drones and decoys against Ukraine overnight. The Ukrainian air force reported that 157 of these drones were intercepted, and 135 were lost, likely due to electronic jamming.
One major focus of these drone attacks was Ukraine’s western Khmelnytskyi region, although local officials reported no casualties or significant damage.
Russia has been increasing its long-range offensive capabilities against Ukraine. This latest wave of strikes against Kyiv, described as one of the largest aerial assaults since the war began, resulted in casualties. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that two people lost their lives, and 31 others were injured in the attacks.
In the days preceding the escalated violence, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump about potentially enhancing Ukraine’s air defenses and finding collaborative approaches to joint weapons production.
While Trump was optimistic, suggesting the call was productive, he acknowledged uncertainty about an immediate resolution to the conflict. The U.S. has reportedly paused some military aid to Ukraine, including essential air defense systems, prompting European allies to consider how they might step in to fill the gap.
As the conflict continues, the situation remains fluid, with both sides actively engaged in military strategies aimed at asserting their dominance in the region.
