Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Assault on Russian Airfields, Advances in Kursk
Ukraine conducts extensive drone attacks on Russian air bases and continues its advance in the Kursk region. The operation targets key military assets and challenges Russia's territorial control.
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has launched its most extensive drone assault on Russian airfields since the full-scale invasion began over two years ago. The operation, targeting four crucial sites deep within Russian territory, coincides with continued Ukrainian advances in the Kursk region of southern Russia.
Oleksandr Syrsky, commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, reported to President Volodymyr Zelensky that Ukrainian forces have progressed an additional 1-2 kilometers in the Kursk region over the past 24 hours. This advancement comes despite Russian attempts to reinforce the area and implement a "counterterrorism" operation led by top commanders.
The drone attacks focused on several key airfields:
- Savasleyka, near Nizhny Novgorod
- Voronezh
- Borisoglebsk
- Kursk
A Ukrainian intelligence official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the attack on the Savasleyka air base, which houses MiG-31 warplanes capable of launching Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. The MiG-31, a supersonic interceptor aircraft, can reach speeds up to Mach 2.83, while Kinzhal missiles have a reported range of 2,000 km.
"We are waiting for satellite photos with destroyed Russian fighters and warehouses."
The Russian Ministry of Defense acknowledged the large-scale drone attacks, claiming to have shot down 147 drones. However, the effectiveness of these defenses remains uncertain.
In the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces claim control of the town of Sudzha, a claim contested by Russian commanders. The incursion has led to the evacuation of over 130,000 people from Kursk and Belgorod regions since last week.
Mykhailo Podolyak, a key advisor to President Zelensky, emphasized the global significance of the conflict, stating that Ukraine is "saving the reputation of the entire democratic West" by standing up to Russia.
While these operations have boosted Ukrainian morale, military analysts caution that they have not fundamentally altered the balance of power in a war where Ukraine remains outgunned by a larger adversary. The conflict, now in its third year, continues to shape geopolitical dynamics and test the resolve of democratic nations worldwide.
