Ukrainians are striking back after Russia’s multiple assaults on their civilian regions and energy lines. In the past 24 hours, the Ukrainians have executed a bold attack by going deeper into Russian territory, targeting two of its largest military bases.
Russian Governer of Kursk Roman Starovoit confirmed that a Ukrainian drone hit their oil facility near an airport. Videos and images show the large fire with plumes of smoke visible throughout the city. According to reports, Ukraine used drones to attack this region, including the two other Russian military bases, the Engels airfield, and the Dyagilevo military base. Ukraine’s regular report update noted that there were 15 strikes over the past 24 hours targeting Russian personnel, weapons, and military equipment.
Additionally, the Ukrainians are holding on their defensive lines, repelling attacks in the following regions: Verkhnokamianske, Bakhmut, Andriivka, Yakovlivka, Soledar, Kurdyumivka, Krasnohorivka settlements of the Donetsk oblast.
“The enemy does not stop shelling settlements and the positions of our units along the contact line, conducts aerial reconnaissance. It continues to strike critical infrastructure and civilian homes in violation of International Humanitarian Law, the laws and customs of war,” the Ukrainian report notes.
The Russians also launched 70 kh-101, Kh-555, Kh-22, Kh-59 and Kh-31P all over Ukraine. There were over 60 missiles fired toward Ukraine, but they were ultimately deterred by air defense units.
“Over the past day, the enemy launched a massive missile attack on critical and civilian infrastructure of Ukraine. Residential buildings and objects of critical infrastructure in Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa and other oblasts of Ukraine were affected.”
Watch the aftermath video below:
As for Russia, they said they could intercept the drones and that “the fall and explosion of the wreckage” had “slightly damaged” 2 lanes, killed three of their troops, and injured them. The Engels airfield is a strategic base near the Volga River in the South of Russia where long-range nuclear bombers are stored (like the Tupolev-95 and the Tupolev-160).
Russian Governor Alexander Bogomaz also confirmed the attack affected their oil products, and they have asked fire and rescue teams to go to the scene. Bogomaz said the fire covered about 19,000 square feet, and over 80 people were called out to extinguish the fire. As of writing, there were no civilian casualties.
This Ukrainian attack shows Kyiv is ready for a more aggressive push toward Russian territory. However, as the winter draws closer, Russian forces are reportedly slowed down, especially with the weak internal support in their troops’ weapons and supplies.
“…the Russian forces in Ukraine are suffering from a lack of proper equipment and training and poor morale. Many of the troops are reportedly inexperienced and have been sent into battle without adequate winter gear. As a result, they have been struggling to fight effectively in the cold weather.”
Moreover, as the Ukrainians continue to use US-donated drones, Russia’s logistical routes are continually damaged, forcing them to bring out the weaponry they’re saving for next year. Finally, even though Ukrainians report an increase in the Belarusian army helping the Russians, there are still no definitive actions from Europe confirming Belarus’ participation in the war.