Ukraine Targets Russian Air Base Amid Ongoing Drone Assaults
Ukraine announced on Saturday that it had struck a Russian air force base. In the meantime, Russia ramped up its drone attacks over Ukraine, continuing a relentless bombing campaign that shows little sign of easing after more than three years of conflict.
A military spokesperson from Ukraine stated that their forces hit the Bolisogrebuk Air Base in the Bolognez region, noting that it’s a site where Russia’s SU-34, SU-35S, and SU-30SM fighter jets are stationed.
On social media, the public relations team shared that the strike targeted a depot containing glide bombs, as well as training aircraft and “possibly other aircraft.” However, Russian officials have yet to respond to this attack.
These strikes on Russian air bases appear aimed at degrading Russia’s military capabilities while also showcasing Ukraine’s ability to reach significant targets within Russian territory. Last month, Ukraine reported the destruction of over 40 Russian aircraft at various airfields deep inside Russia during a surprise drone operation.
Overnight on Saturday, Russia launched a total of 322 drones and decoys against Ukraine, according to reports from the Ukrainian Air Force. Of those, 157 were intercepted, while 135 were likely lost or interfered with electronically.
The primary target of the assaults was said to be Ukraine’s western Kumelnitsky region. Regional Governor Serhii Tyurin mentioned that no damage, injuries, or fatalities were reported following the attacks.
Russia is increasing its long-range strikes on Ukraine. While drone waves and missile attacks struck Kiev, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko noted that the death toll from these assaults had risen to two, with an additional 31 individuals injured.
This latest round of attacks followed a “very important and productive” call between Ukrainian President Voldimi Zelensky and President Donald Trump on Friday.
According to Zelensky, the two leaders discussed enhancing Ukraine’s air defenses, potential arms production collaborations between the US and Ukraine, and broader efforts led by the US to negotiate an end to the war with Russia.
When asked about the call afterward, Trump expressed that it had gone well but was uncertain about the prospects for ending the conflict, stating, “I don’t know if that will happen.”
The US has paused several military aid shipments to Ukraine, which include crucial air defense missiles, leading major European supporters of Ukraine to consider ways to fill the gaps. Zelensky has mentioned plans to develop Ukraine’s domestic arms industry, though scaling up this capacity will take time.
Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that during the same overnight period, it had shot down 94 Ukrainian drones and an additional 30 in the morning. Although no casualties were reported, officials in the Saratov region claimed that 25 apartments were damaged in the city of Engels due to Ukrainian drone activity.
