Ukrainian forces executed a major drone offensive on multiple Russian regions overnight, deploying over 80 drones, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The operation targeted key locations including Morosovsk Airfield and the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Rostov-on-Don, resulting in disruptions.
In a statement to The Warzone, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR), confirmed the launch of at least 70 drones aimed at Morosovsk Airfield, approximately 150 miles from the front lines. This strategic attack resulted in damage to infrastructure and disrupted operations at the airfield, which houses critical Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers.
Concurrently, a drone assault ignited a fire at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery, one of the most crucial refineries in southern Russia. The regional governor, Vasily Golubev, announced the suspension of operations and the evacuation of personnel due to the attack. This facility, located just 10 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, has been a recurrent target in the conflict.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 87 Ukrainian drones across various regions. Specifically, they claimed to have downed 70 drones targeting the Rostov region, alongside others intercepted over Belgorod, Volgograd, Voronezh, and Kursk regions.
Ukrainian Forces used over 70 Attack Drones to Target RuZZia’s Morosovsk Airfield last Night, Damaging Multiple RuZZian Su-34s. The GUR’s General Budanov says that Ukraine will Attack the Airfield Again, in an Interview with the@thewarzonewire pic.twitter.com/XL9b1oRVkR
— Herman Moore (@HermanM50891526) June 15, 2024
This wave of drone strikes marks the second major Ukrainian offensive on Morosovsk Airfield in recent months. Previous attacks in April reportedly resulted in the destruction of multiple Russian aircraft, although subsequent satellite imagery showed no visible damage.
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