Ukraine launches biggest drone attack on Russian airfields as incursion puts Kremlin on the back foot
Ukrainian drones targeted four Russian airfields Wednesday in the largest such attack of the war, as Kyiv’s troops advance further into Russia following their surprise cross-border incursion that has left the Kremlin embarrassed and scrambling.
Ukraine's Drone Strikes Target Four Russian Airfields in Largest Such Attack; Kyiv's Forces Advance Across Border
Ukrainian forces launched a series of drone strikes on Wednesday, targeting four Russian airfields in the largest such attack since the war began. The strikes, which Ukrainian officials say were "precise, timely, and effective," come as Kyiv's troops have crossed the border into Russia, capturing Russian soldiers and destroying a Russian fighter jet.
A source in Ukraine's security service described the attack as the "biggest" on Russia's airfields, targeting bases in the southwest regions of Kursk and Voronezh, as well as Nizhny Novgorod, east of Moscow.
Russia's defense ministry reported destroying 117 drones and four tactical missiles over Kursk and neighboring regions. More than 35 Ukrainian drones were also destroyed over Voronezh, according to the region's governor, Aleksandr Gusev. While there were no reported casualties, the attacks caused damage to property, vehicles, and municipal infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's ground incursion has forced tens of thousands of Russians to flee their homes, leaving the Kremlin scrambling to contain the situation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the drone strikes and called for further support from Western allies, specifically requesting long-range missile weapons.
Zelensky stated that Ukrainian forces had advanced 1-2 kilometers into Russia's Kursk region and captured 100 Russian servicemen. He also claimed Kyiv now controls approximately 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory.
The incursion, marking the first time foreign troops have entered Russia since World War II, has prompted Russia to declare a counter-terrorism operation in the border regions of Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk.
Russia has also pulled troops from key battlegrounds in Ukraine and Crimea to repel Kyiv's advances.
Ukrainian officials claim the objective of the incursion into Kursk is to create a "security zone" to protect border communities that have endured constant Russian artillery and missile fire.
The Ukrainian government also plans to open humanitarian corridors to evacuate civilians, both to Ukraine and within Russia.
Russia's response to the Ukrainian incursion has been swift and aggressive. They have removed peace negotiations from the table indefinitely, declaring that the talks are on a "long pause."
The Russian National Guard has also increased security around the Kursk nuclear plant following concerns expressed by the UN's nuclear watchdog about the potential for a nuclear accident.
While Kyiv's gains in Russian territory are significant, they are dwarfed by the amount of Ukrainian territory held by Russia since the conflict began in 2014.
As the situation evolves, the international community continues to monitor the developments closely, with US President Joe Biden receiving regular updates from staff and expressing concerns about the "real dilemma" the incursion poses for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian forces launched a series of drone strikes on Wednesday, targeting four Russian airfields in the largest such attack since the war began. The strikes, which Ukrainian officials say were "precise, timely, and effective," come as Kyiv's troops have crossed the border into Russia, capturing Russian soldiers and destroying a Russian fighter jet.
A source in Ukraine's security service described the attack as the "biggest" on Russia's airfields, targeting bases in the southwest regions of Kursk and Voronezh, as well as Nizhny Novgorod, east of Moscow.
Russia's defense ministry reported destroying 117 drones and four tactical missiles over Kursk and neighboring regions. More than 35 Ukrainian drones were also destroyed over Voronezh, according to the region's governor, Aleksandr Gusev. While there were no reported casualties, the attacks caused damage to property, vehicles, and municipal infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's ground incursion has forced tens of thousands of Russians to flee their homes, leaving the Kremlin scrambling to contain the situation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the drone strikes and called for further support from Western allies, specifically requesting long-range missile weapons.
Zelensky stated that Ukrainian forces had advanced 1-2 kilometers into Russia's Kursk region and captured 100 Russian servicemen. He also claimed Kyiv now controls approximately 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory.
The incursion, marking the first time foreign troops have entered Russia since World War II, has prompted Russia to declare a counter-terrorism operation in the border regions of Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk.
Russia has also pulled troops from key battlegrounds in Ukraine and Crimea to repel Kyiv's advances.
Ukrainian officials claim the objective of the incursion into Kursk is to create a "security zone" to protect border communities that have endured constant Russian artillery and missile fire.
The Ukrainian government also plans to open humanitarian corridors to evacuate civilians, both to Ukraine and within Russia.
Russia's response to the Ukrainian incursion has been swift and aggressive. They have removed peace negotiations from the table indefinitely, declaring that the talks are on a "long pause."
The Russian National Guard has also increased security around the Kursk nuclear plant following concerns expressed by the UN's nuclear watchdog about the potential for a nuclear accident.
While Kyiv's gains in Russian territory are significant, they are dwarfed by the amount of Ukrainian territory held by Russia since the conflict began in 2014.
As the situation evolves, the international community continues to monitor the developments closely, with US President Joe Biden receiving regular updates from staff and expressing concerns about the "real dilemma" the incursion poses for Russian President Vladimir Putin.