On July 26, Ukraine’s military announced that its Rocket Forces and Artillery, in coordination with other defense units, had successfully struck the Saky airfield. The attack reportedly bypassed Russian air defenses. Ukrainian sources claim that the strike damaged or destroyed at least one Russian Su-30SM jet, a multi-role fighter aircraft. This information was supported by several Russian military bloggers on Telegram.
Satellite images from July 28, analyzed by the Ukrainian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, show dark spots on the airfield where Su-30 aircraft were stationed, indicating possible fires or explosions. While the resolution of the images does not allow for a complete assessment, the visible damage aligns with reports of the missile strike’s impact.
Ukraine has frequently targeted Russian air bases, logistics hubs, and naval facilities in Crimea throughout the ongoing conflict. Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, remains a focal point of Ukrainian military efforts to reclaim the territory. The Saky air base has been a recurring target, with previous attacks also reported at the Belbek airfield near Sevastopol and the Dzhankoy airfield in northern Crimea.
Russian authorities have not officially commented on the recent strike. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commended the precision of the Ukrainian forces in their efforts to degrade Russian military capabilities in occupied territories. He highlighted that each successful strike on Russian air bases and aircraft contributes to saving Ukrainian lives.
The attack on the Saky airfield reportedly involved U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles. These long-range missiles have been crucial in allowing Ukraine to hit high-value targets deep behind enemy lines. However, their use is restricted to occupied or annexed areas and not internationally recognized Russian territories.
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