Russia attacked a crucial Ukrainian air base for launching Storm Shadow missile.
Russia attacked a crucial Ukrainian air base for launching Storm Shadow missile.
Russia Fires Barrage of Missiles at Ukrainian Air Base
Russia has launched a fierce assault on a key Ukrainian air base, targeting the planes that carry Ukraine’s Storm Shadow missiles. The attack involved a barrage of cruise missiles and exploding drones aimed at the Starokostiantyniv air base in Khmelnytskyi, located in western Ukraine. The base is home to Ukraine’s Su-24 aircrafts, which are the only planes believed to carry the UK-supplied Storm Shadow missile. The extent of the damage inflicted on the base is currently unknown.
According to Yuriy Inhat, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force Command, the Ukrainian air defenses successfully shot down 36 cruise missiles. In addition, several Shahed-136 “suicide” drones aimed at the base were also destroyed. However, the base did sustain some damage from four Kinzhal missiles air-launched from MiG-31K jets. The precise details of the damage caused by these missiles remain unverified.
The damage inflicted on the Starokostiantyniv air base is a critical concern, as it could potentially impair Ukraine’s ability to air-launch the Storm Shadow missile. The Su-24 aircrafts stationed at the base are the country’s sole means of deploying these missiles, which have been hailed as a game-changer in Ukraine’s counteroffensive. The Storm Shadow, also known as the SCALP, features evasive capabilities, precision targeting, and an impressive range of 155 miles. While the specific targets hit by the missile have not been disclosed by Ukraine, there have been reports of successful strikes deep within Russian-held territory attributed to the Storm Shadow.
One Russian military blogger, Rybar, claimed that four Storm Shadow missiles struck targets in Crimea, including a major Russian military vehicle repair depot. However, this claim could not be independently verified by Insider. Nevertheless, local authorities did issue an evacuation announcement for the area, suggesting that there may have been some level of impact from the attack.
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The assault on the Ukrainian air base marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It highlights Russia’s determination to neutralize Ukraine’s air capabilities and undermine its ability to strike beyond the front lines. The Starokostiantyniv air base plays a critical role in Ukraine’s defense strategy, making it a prime target for Russia’s military operations.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is closely monitoring the conflict and the potential repercussions. The repercussions of this attack could have far-reaching consequences on the balance of power in the region and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.