Ukraine Drones in Russia: Attack Videos Emerge
- Ukrainian forces launched a daring drone assault deep within Russia, targeting several airfields and inflicting damage on military aircraft.
- The New York Times analyzed videos and satellite imagery confirming the extent of the damage.Strategic bombers at Belaya and Olenya air bases were among the targets.
- Footage verified by The Times shows the drone's-eye view as the assault on Belaya Air Base began.The video captures a drone flying over the base toward a line...
Ukraine Drones Strike Russian Airfields, Destroying Military Aircraft
Ukrainian forces launched a daring drone assault deep within Russia, targeting several airfields and inflicting damage on military aircraft. The coordinated attacks, which involved remotely operated drones, represent a significant blow to Russia’s strategic capabilities and its campaign in Ukraine. The Ukrainian military planned this stunning assault for months.
The New York Times analyzed videos and satellite imagery confirming the extent of the damage.Strategic bombers at Belaya and Olenya air bases were among the targets. Russia’s Ministry of defense claimed to have repelled attacks on three other locations, but this could not be independently verified. Satellite imagery showed no aircraft damage at two of the other bases likely targeted.
Belaya Air Base
Footage verified by The Times shows the drone’s-eye view as the assault on Belaya Air Base began.The video captures a drone flying over the base toward a line of aircraft,including Tupolev Tu-95 bombers.
Additional footage shows two drones launching from containers disguised as modular homes on a semi-truck. The containers were rigged to self-destruct after launch, according to Ukrainian officials.
Radar imagery obtained by The Times revealed the destruction of seven strategic bombers, including four Tupolev Tu-22M and three Tupolev Tu-95 bombers. Chris Biggers,a geospatial analyst,previously published similar findings. The confirmed damage at Belaya marks a blow to Russia’s campaign of using long-range bombers to target Ukraine.
Satellite imagery also revealed decoy aircraft made of car tires and other materials, indicating attempts to defend against drone attacks.
Olenya Air Base
Footage from Olenya Air Base shows a drone flying by two smoking Tu-95 bombers. Another Tu-95 is hit by an explosion. Car tires,used as defensive measures,are visible on top of the wings of at least three damaged bombers.
Moments later, another Tu-95, along with an An-12 cargo transport aircraft, is seen ablaze. A man recorded drones flying thru the sky near the base,claiming they launched from a truck parked nearby.
While the strikes on Sunday subjected Russia to serious strategic losses, analysts cautioned it does not appear to have changed the Kremlin’s resolve to pursue its military goals.
What’s next
The attacks demonstrate Ukraine’s growing ability to strike deep into Russian territory, perhaps altering the strategic calculus of the conflict. Further drone strikes and other asymmetric warfare tactics are likely as Ukraine seeks to degrade Russia’s military capabilities.