KYIV — Ukraine claimed it destroyed six Russian fighter bombers in an attack early Friday on the Morovosk air base, located about 350 kilometers from the frontlines, according to a Ukrainian official familiar with the matter.
Ukraine unleashed a large attack hitting Russia’s Rostov, Saratov, Kursk, and Belgorod regions, the Russian defense ministry reported on Telegram.
Russian defense forces claimed to have shot down at least 44 drones over the Rostov region — where the air base is located — revealing no more details.
The reports could not be independently verified.
Rostov Governor Vasily Golubev said that air defenses repelled attacks over the base, home of the 59th Guards Bomber Aviation Regiment of the Russian Air Force. The base is used by Su-24, Su-24M and Su-34 bombers to attack Ukraine.
“The attack on the Morozovsk airfield was carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine together with the military and the defense forces. At least six fighter bombers were destroyed,” a Ukrainian law enforcement official told POLITICO on condition of being granted anonymity, adding that another eight airplanes were “significantly damaged” and 20 Russian soldiers were killed.
Kyiv rarely officially takes responsibility for attacks inside Russia, which have been criticized by the United States over worries about crossing the Kremlin’s red lines.
Local Russian Telegram channels reported that people counted more than 50 explosions over Morozovsk. Golubev said no one was injured in the attack.
“The electric substation suffered minor damage. About 600 residents were left without a power supply in the morning” Golubev said, adding that there was also “minor damage” to several buildings.
The post Ukraine hits Russian air base in large drone attack appeared first on Politico.
