Ukrainian drones launched attacks in six different Russian regions on Wednesday. Their strikes included a military airfield where military transport planes were obliterated, marking one of the most extensive offensives to date in Ukraine’s bid to shift the balance against Russia.
Russian authorities reported these assaults spanning the regions of Pskov, Bryansk, Kaluga, Orlov, Ryazan, and Moscow. The northern city of Pskov, located more than 600 km (400 miles) from Ukraine, bore witness to a massive fire erupting at a military airfield. Tass news agency disclosed that at least four colossal Il-76 transport planes suffered damage, with two of them bursting into flames.
Simultaneously, Kyiv reported the heaviest Russian airstrikes on its capital in months, resulting in at least two casualties.
Footage released by Pskov’s governor via Telegram depicted a raging inferno accompanied by the wail of sirens and a powerful explosion. Additional videos shared online showcased anti-aircraft systems being deployed around the city, which sits just 32 km (20 miles) east of Russia’s border with NATO member Estonia.
Moscow asserted that it successfully thwarted all of the Ukrainian attacks—a consistent claim even when ground damage occurs as a result of Ukrainian drone strikes.
Kyiv remained silent on the matter, adhering to its customary policy of refraining from commenting on specific strikes within Russian territory, while asserting its right to target military objectives in self-defense.
While Ukraine’s Western allies generally discourage the use of the weapons they supply for offensive operations against Russia, they acknowledge Ukraine’s right to conduct such operations using its own weaponry.
Russia alleged that Ukrainian drones had attempted to target a TV tower in the Bryansk region, with no reported casualties. Moscow further asserted that its aircraft had destroyed four Ukrainian fast-attack boats carrying up to 50 paratroopers in the Black Sea, a claim that Reuters could not independently confirm.
Recent attacks on Russia, including repeated drone strikes on central Moscow, have brought the war closer to home for many Russians, contrasting with Ukrainians who have faced constant peril from airstrikes for the past year and a half.
Ukraine asserted that its air defenses successfully intercepted 28 Russian missiles and 15 out of 16 drones fired overnight. Explosions rocked Kyiv, with authorities confirming debris falling in four areas and resulting in at least two casualties.
On the front lines, Ukrainian forces have been engaged in a summer offensive for nearly three months. While they have yet to breach Russia’s heavily fortified and mined defenses, they recently claimed to have penetrated the first major defensive line.
