Reports indicate that Ukrainian drones have successfully targeted a remote Russian airbase in the Arctic, resulting in the destruction of at least one strategic bomber.
According to Ukrainian media sources, the attack took place at the Olenya airfield in the Murmansk region, where a Tupolev Tu-22M3 long-range supersonic bomber-missile carrier was damaged. This particular aircraft has the capability to launch AS-4 heavy anti-ship or Kh-22 cruise missiles.
Notably, this marked the first time Ukraine downed a Tu-22M3 on April 19, with the aircraft reportedly crashing in Russia’s Stavropol Krai shortly after Russia launched an attack on Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region.
A source within Ukraine’s military intelligence agency has claimed responsibility for the attack on Saturday at Olenya airfield, which is over 1,200 miles from the Ukrainian border and merely 120 miles from Finland. This location had previously caused tension with Moscow when Finland joined NATO in 2023.
Satellite imagery prior to the incident had revealed the presence of two Tu-160 and 14 Tu-95 strategic bombers at the airfield, which are capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear cruise missiles.
While the reports of the drone strike on the Tu-22M3 have not been independently confirmed, pro-Ukrainian individuals on social media have celebrated the news. The Kyiv Independent’s intelligence sources also mentioned other strikes at airfields deep within Russian territory, including an attack on the Dyagilevo airfield hosting various Russian aircraft.
Despite restrictions on firing Western-supplied long-range weapons at Russian territory out of fear of escalating the conflict, Ukraine has reportedly engaged in drone operations targeting military and energy sites on Russian soil without directly claiming responsibility.
In a separate incident reported by the Kyiv Independent, sabotage operations conducted by Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR) resulted in the damage of three helicopters over the past week. The report detailed instances where Ukrainian actions caused explosions at helicopter construction sites and military airfields in Russia.
It is essential to exercise caution when interpreting information related to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as the situation continues to evolve.