Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, has stated that the drone attack on a Russian airbase in Pskov, which occurred on Tuesday, originated from within Russia. He reported that two Ilyushin cargo planes were destroyed, and two others were damaged. Russia, on the other hand, claims that four aircraft were damaged in the attack. Budanov did not specify whether the attack was carried out by Ukrainian or Russian operatives.
These drone attacks from Ukraine on Russia have become a nearly daily occurrence, and Ukraine had previously acknowledged its involvement in the Pskov attack. However, Budanov’s remarks seem to put to rest speculations that it was caused by a long-range weapon.
President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier stated that a Ukrainian-made weapon had reached a target at a distance of 700km, while Pskov is nearly 700km away from the Ukrainian border. Budanov revealed, “We are working from the territory of Russia,” without disclosing the type or quantity of drones used in the attack. These drones specifically targeted the upper parts of the aircraft, including the fuel tanks and a critical section of the wing spar.
The damaged aircraft were long-range cargo planes, which are valuable assets for transporting troops and equipment over long distances in Russia.
While Ukrainian officials typically remain secretive about attacks within Russia, it appears that they are increasingly willing to claim responsibility for these actions as part of their war efforts. Additionally, drone attacks in various locations in Russia continued overnight from Thursday to Friday.
Unverified reports suggest that a factory producing electronic components for rockets in the town of Lyubertsy outside Moscow was targeted. However, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that the drones over Lyubertsy were successfully intercepted without causing any damage or casualties. These attacks on Moscow’s vicinity have also led to flight delays and cancellations at Moscow airports.
In another incident, it was reported that one residential and one administrative building were struck in the town of Kurchatov, near the Kursk nuclear plant. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues its counter-offensive into Russian-occupied territories, with advancements reported near Bakhmut in the east and the western part of the Zaporizhzhia region.
US White House spokesman John Kirby acknowledged “notable progress” by Ukrainian forces in Zaporizhzhia in the last 72 hours. He emphasized that objective observers of the counter-offensive couldn’t deny this progress and criticized anonymous officials who had been critical of the speed of the Ukrainian advance, calling their comments unhelpful. Kyiv also announced the capture of the settlement of Robotyne earlier this week, a development that officials believe will pave the way for further advancements to the south.
Read more: McConnell appears to freeze while speaking with reporters in Kentucky
1 Comment