Satellite images showing damage caused by drone strikes on Russian planes at two airfields

Israeli company ImageSat Intl. A satellite photo of Damage Monday’s attack was one of a series of Ukrainian attacks on air bases inside Russia, an unprecedented move that threatened to escalate the war.

Pictures show significant destruction at the airfield Diaghilevin the area Ryazan, about 500 kilometers northeast of the Ukrainian border. Basic houses Tanker flights Long-range aircraft are used for aerial refueling of bombers.

Basically extra DiaghilevMonday basis EngelsLocated in the Saratov region, 600 kilometers east of the border with Ukraine and home to nuclear-capable bombers Tu-95 Y Tu-160 Those involved in attacks against Ukraine.

The Russian Defense Ministry, which described the attacks on air bases, said it had shot down two planes Ukrainian drones. said Three Russian soldiers died Four others were injured in the wreckage, and two aircraft were slightly damaged.

Attacks against sites Diaghilev Y Engels According to the ministry, they were part of Ukraine’s efforts to reduce Russia’s long-range bomber force.

This Tuesday A fire broke out at an airport in the Kursk regionIn southern Russia, on the border with Ukraine, the regional governor said, blaming a drone strike.

“As a result of the drone strike, an oil depot in the Kursk airport area caught fire. The fire is being extinguished. All emergency services are working on the spot,” said the Kursk governor. Roman StarvoyIn a Telegram post.

The attacks showed impact Russia’s most strategic military locations, raising Doubts about the effectiveness of its air defenses If drones can get close to them.

The ministry did not specify the origin of the drones, but Russian military bloggers suggested they may have been launched by Ukrainian scouts.

The unprecedented attack on Russia threatened to further escalate the nine-month war as it hit an airfield that hosts bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons. President of Russia Vladimir Putin He has threatened to use all available means to defend his territory, a view taken by many to include nuclear weapons.

Michael PodoliakAn adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the Russians for the drone attack on Engels, but refused to take responsibility.

“If anything is launched into other countries’ airspace, sooner or later unidentified flying objects will be back to square one,” Podoliak tweeted.

On Monday, Russia retaliated against the Ukrainian attacks nNew massive missile strike across UkraineMost of its rockets were shot down by Ukrainian air defenses.

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