Ukrainian drones strike Pskov, potentially biggest attack on Russia in ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian Drones Launch Largest Attack on Russia Yet
In a daring move, Ukrainian drones targeted the Russian city of Pskov and made attempted attacks in other areas, marking the most significant drone assault on Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine.
One of the most surprising aspects of the attack was that several drones managed to hit an airport in Pskov, which is over 370 miles away from the Ukrainian border. This makes it the furthest Russian target hit in the war so far. Additionally, Russian authorities reported drone downings in Moscow, Ryazan, Kaluga, Bryansk, and Oryol. At the same time, air and water-borne drones attempted to strike the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, Crimea. All of these attacks occurred in the early morning hours of Wednesday.
Damage and Response
Russian authorities claim that all drones, except for those that hit Pskov, were intercepted. The attack on Pskov resulted in damage to four IL-76 transport aircraft, with two of them severely affected by a fire caused by the drones. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage.
Pskov Mayor Mikhail Vedernikov stated on Telegram, “As for the operation of the airport: a decision was made to cancel all flights for tomorrow (that is, already today, on 08/30/23) until the nature of the possible damage to the runway is clarified. According to preliminary estimates, nothing serious, but it is difficult to verify this at night. If everything is in order, on Thursday the airport will resume its normal operation.”
Videos circulating on social media captured the explosions and a large fire at the airport during the attack.
Number of Drones and Targets
The exact number of drones used in the Pskov attack remains unclear. However, sources familiar with the matter suggest that around 21 drones were involved, according to the popular Russian Telegram channel BRIEF. Russian authorities reported that three drones were shot down over Bryansk, one over Oryol, one over Moscow, one over Ryazan, and one over Kaluga. The number of drones used in the attacks on the fleet in Sevastopol is still being determined.
It is worth noting that Pskov is located quite far from the other targeted areas, which are all south of Moscow.
Reactions and Concerns
The attacks have sent shockwaves through Russian nationalist circles, particularly among “mil bloggers,” who expressed astonishment and fear.
“Attack on the Pskov airfield. Atypical target selection. Just look at the map. This is a completely different direction compared to previous drone launches towards Moscow,” wrote popular Russian war correspondent Alexander Kots on Telegram. “Given the growing technical capabilities of Ukraine, there will soon be no safe places in the European part of Russia. However, taking into account the agent network, not only in [the European part]. We must proceed from this when organizing the security of military and strategic facilities.”
The Russian military swiftly responded to the attacks, with explosions recorded in Kyiv and Odesa.
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