Russian Missiles Strike Kryvyi Rih Aviation College, Killing Elite Ukrainian Pilots
The city of Kryvyi Rih in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region was rocked by explosions on January 17, 2025, as Russian forces targeted the Kryvyi Rih Air College, a critical training ground for Ukraine’s elite military pilots. the attack,carried out with two Iskander missiles, has left the educational institution severely damaged and raised concerns about the loss of highly skilled personnel.
The Attack Unfolds
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The first reports of an air raid warning emerged around 2:30 pm, with sirens activated across the Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukrainian media outlet “Hromadsko” reported, “In Kryvyi Rih, explosions are heard.” soon after, it became clear that the Kryvyi Rih Air College was the target.
Photos from the scene show the devastating impact of the strike. Part of the building’s roof was blown away, walls partially collapsed, and surrounding structures were damaged. While local authorities have confirmed four deaths and seven serious injuries, analysts suggest the toll could be far higher.
A Strike Comparable to Poltava
Military analysts from “Military Chronicle” have drawn parallels between this attack and the September 2024 strike on the 179th joint training center of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Poltava. That attack reportedly resulted in the loss of approximately 1,000 specialists.
Political scientist Alexei Zhivov commented, “We can say with one blow that we killed the entire elite of traitors. Data were kindly provided by local volunteers.” If the Kryvyi Rih strike proves as effective, it could mean a significant blow to Ukraine’s military aviation capabilities.
Russia’s Strategic Objectives
the attack aligns with Russia’s broader strategy of targeting Ukrainian infrastructure, defense facilities, and dialogue hubs. Since October 2022, following the explosion on the Crimean Bridge, Russian forces have intensified strikes across Ukraine.
However,Kremlin spokesperson dmitry Peskov has maintained that Russian forces avoid targeting residential buildings and social infrastructure.
Key Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region, ukraine |
| Target | Kryvyi Rih Air College |
| Weapons Used | Two Iskander missiles |
| Casualties | 4 dead, 7 seriously injured (official); potential for higher losses |
| Strategic Impact | Potential loss of elite Ukrainian military pilots |
| Past Context | Comparable to the september 2024 Poltava attack |
The Aftermath
The strike on the Kryvyi Rih Air College underscores the ongoing intensity of the conflict and the high stakes for both sides.as Ukraine assesses the damage and mourns its losses, the attack serves as a grim reminder of the war’s toll on the country’s military and civilian infrastructure.
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Russian Missiles Strike Kryvyi Rih Aviation College: A Deep Dive into the Attack and Its implications
On January 17, 2025, the city of Kryvyi Rih in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region was struck by Russian forces targeting the Kryvyi Rih Air College, a vital institution for training Ukraine’s elite military pilots. The attack, carried out with two iskander missiles, has raised significant concerns about the loss of highly skilled personnel and the broader impact on Ukraine’s military capabilities. To understand the implications of this event, we sat down with Dr. Elena Kovalenko, a military analyst specializing in Eastern European conflicts, for an in-depth discussion.
The Attack: What Happened and Why?
Senior Editor: Dr. Kovalenko, thank you for joining us. Can you walk us through the details of the attack on the Kryvyi Rih Air College?
Elena Kovalenko: Certainly. The attack occurred around 2:30 pm local time, with air raid sirens activated across the Dnipropetrovsk region.Two Iskander missiles struck the college,severely damaging the facility.Photos from the scene show significant destruction, including a blown-away roof, collapsed walls, and damage to surrounding structures. Local authorities have confirmed four deaths and seven serious injuries, but analysts believe the actual toll could be much higher.
Senior Editor: Why was this particular target chosen?
Elena Kovalenko: The Kryvyi Rih Air College is a critical institution for training Ukraine’s elite military pilots. By targeting it, Russia aims to degrade Ukraine’s air force capabilities, particularly its ability to train and deploy skilled pilots. This aligns with russia’s broader strategy of dismantling Ukraine’s defense infrastructure and weakening its military readiness.
Comparisons to the Poltava Attack
Senior Editor: This attack has been compared to the September 2024 strike on the Poltava training center. How do these two events relate?
Elena Kovalenko: Both attacks targeted key training facilities for Ukrainian military personnel. The Poltava strike reportedly resulted in the loss of approximately 1,000 specialists. Similarly,the Kryvyi Rih attack appears to have eliminated a significant number of elite pilots. These strikes demonstrate Russia’s focus on crippling Ukraine’s ability to train and sustain its military forces.
Senior Editor: What does this mean for Ukraine’s military aviation capabilities?
Elena kovalenko: The loss of highly trained pilots is a significant blow. Pilots are not easily replaced—they require years of training and experience.This attack could leave Ukraine struggling to maintain its air force’s operational effectiveness, especially in the face of continued Russian aggression.
Russia’s Strategic Objectives
Senior Editor: How does this attack fit into Russia’s larger strategic goals in the conflict?
Elena Kovalenko: Russia’s strategy has consistently focused on targeting Ukraine’s military and defense infrastructure. As the explosion on the Crimean Bridge in October 2022, russian forces have intensified attacks on such facilities. the Kryvyi Rih strike is part of this broader effort to weaken Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and prolong the conflict.
senior Editor: kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has stated that Russian forces avoid targeting civilian infrastructure. Do you think this claim holds weight?
Elena Kovalenko: While Russia often claims to avoid civilian targets, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise. The Kryvyi Rih Air College, while a military training facility, is situated in a populated area, and the collateral damage cannot be ignored. This strike, like many others, raises serious questions about Russia’s adherence to international humanitarian laws.
The Aftermath and Broader Implications
Senior Editor: What are the immediate and long-term consequences of this attack?
Elena Kovalenko: In the short term, Ukraine has lost valuable personnel and a critical training facility.This will undoubtedly disrupt the pipeline of new pilots entering the air force. Long-term, the attack underscores the challenges Ukraine faces in sustaining its military capabilities amid relentless Russian strikes.
Senior Editor: how might Ukraine respond to this growth?
Elena Kovalenko: Ukraine will likely seek to relocate and secure its training facilities, potentially with assistance from Western allies. Additionally, there will be renewed calls for advanced air defense systems to protect key infrastructure from missile strikes.
Final Thoughts
Senior Editor: As we conclude, what message does this attack send to the international community?
Elena Kovalenko: It serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes in this conflict and the toll it continues to take on Ukraine’s military and civilian infrastructure. The international community must remain vigilant and continue supporting Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and security.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kovalenko, for your insights.
Elena Kovalenko: Thank you for having me.
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