Title: Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Airfield, Destroying Transport Planes
Date: August 30, 2023
In a significant escalation of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian drones targeted multiple regions deep within Russian territory on Wednesday. The attacks included an airfield in Pskov, where military transport planes were destroyed, marking one of the most extensive offensives by Kyiv to date.
Russian officials confirmed attacks on targets in the Pskov, Bryansk, Kaluga, Orlov, Ryazan, and Moscow regions. The Russian foreign ministry condemned the strikes, stating that they would not go unpunished and accused Western powers of providing assistance to Ukraine.
At the military airfield in Pskov, located over 600 km (400 miles) from Ukraine, a massive fire broke out. Tass news agency reported that at least four giant Il-76 transport planes were damaged, with two of them bursting into flames.
Simultaneously, Kyiv reported heavy Russian airstrikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, resulting in the deaths of at least two people. Reuters captured footage of a fireball falling from the night sky near a supermarket, causing a massive explosion that illuminated nearby residential buildings.
In response to the attacks, the governor of Pskov posted videos on Telegram showing the extent of the fire and the deployment of anti-aircraft systems in the city. Pskov is located just 32 km (20 miles) east of Russia’s border with NATO-member Estonia.
The Kremlin claimed to have thwarted all the attacks, dismissing Ukrainian drone strikes as unsuccessful regardless of the damage caused. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia was working to identify the origin of the drones to prevent further strikes. President Vladimir Putin was immediately informed about the “massive attacks.”
While Kyiv confirmed the destruction of Russian planes in Pskov, they did not provide further details about the incident. Ukraine generally refrains from commenting on strikes within Russian territory but asserts its right to target military installations.
Andriy Yusov, a spokesman for Ukraine’s GUR military agency, confirmed that four IL-76 transport planes were destroyed beyond repair in Pskov, with several others sustaining damage. The information is currently being verified.
Russia claimed that Ukrainian drones also attempted to attack a TV tower in the Bryansk region, but no casualties were reported. Moscow further alleged that its aircraft destroyed four Ukrainian fast-attack boats carrying up to 50 paratroopers in the Black Sea, although Reuters could not independently confirm this.
The recent attacks on Russia, including repeated drone strikes on central Moscow, have brought the war closer to home for many Russians. Ukrainians have endured constant peril from air strikes for the past year and a half.
As the conflict intensifies, the United States announced a new package of military assistance to Ukraine. The aid includes additional mine-clearing equipment, air defense missiles, and ammunition for artillery and small arms.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of St Petersburg, followers of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Russia’s Wagner private army, paid tribute at his grave. Prigozhin, along with two top Wagner lieutenants and four bodyguards, died in a plane crash under mysterious circumstances. Western countries suspect Prigozhin was killed on Putin’s orders, while Moscow denies any involvement.
The situation remains tense as both sides continue to engage in military offensives and counter-offensives. The international community closely watches the developments, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Reporting by Reuters bureau Writing by Stephen Coates, Guy Faulconbridge, Peter Graff Editing by Philippa Fletcher
What impact do the destroyed transport planes at the Russian airfield have on the balance of power in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia
Ains an upper hand in conflict as Ukrainian drones target Russian airfield, destroying transport planes
I hope this doesn’t escalate the tensions further between Ukraine and Russia.