The war in Ukraine, which has since spilled back into Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says the aim of Ukraine’s surprise incursion into Russia is to create a buffer zone. He stated, “Our primary task is to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible.” This statement comes after Kyiv’s forces reported destroying a second bridge in the Kursk region in an attempt to disrupt Moscow’s combat operations and supply routes. Over 100 drones have also targeted Russian airbases, which Russia has used to launch aerial strikes into Ukraine since the beginning of the war. Ukraine hopes that their offensive will help counter Russia’s warplanes.
A regular feature on Russian state TV is the display of military aircraft in action, attacking military positions and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, often with devastating glide bombs that leave behind a trail of destruction. These weapons are difficult to detect, and Russian warplanes often release them from a considerable distance from the front line. Therefore, the most effective option would be to destroy the aircraft and ammunition in the air or on the ground. This is precisely what Ukrainian forces are trying to do. Last week, they launched what they claim was the world’s largest long-range strike on Russian airbases, with more than 100 drones attacking three major airfields inside Russia. These bases host warplanes targeting Ukraine with glide bombs and missiles, including the hypersonic Kinzhal rockets.
Satellite images show the aftermath of one of the strikes in Bryansk Oblast, where at least two hangars were destroyed. Two fighter jets are also visible, though it is unclear if they were damaged. A similar drone strike occurred at the airbase in Lipetsk earlier in August, reportedly destroying hundreds of glide bombs. Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region is also believed to be helping achieve this goal.
Some analysts suggest that the incursion could increase Ukraine’s range for striking Russian airbases. For now, Western allies limit the use of long-range weapons like ATACMS, but Ukraine argues that to better counter Russian airstrikes, they need the green light from Allied weapons suppliers to use them against targets deep inside Russia.
