SEVASTOPOL, Crimea – Ukraine has launched a bold missile strike on the key airbase in annexed Crimea, targeting a base housing Putin’s prized fighter jet fleet. Dramatic footage captured massive infernos lighting up the sky over the occupied port of Sevastopol.
The missile barrage, which struck the Belbek military airfield, led to enormous plumes of black smoke filling the air. In response to the attack, Mikhail Razvozhaev, a close ally of Putin in Crimea, acknowledged that the Russian military was engaged in a significant battle against Ukrainian rockets.
Located near Putin’s main naval base, the Belbek airfield has been previously targeted by Ukrainian missiles, dealing yet another blow to Russia. The airfield is believed to house a number of Russia’s fighter jet fleet stationed on the peninsula.
The attack by Ukraine represents a recent setback for Putin’s military efforts in the region, potentially impacting land, air, and sea operations, including striking the Black Sea Fleet communications center. Reports suggest that the naval port’s center is currently ablaze as a result of the assault.
Furthermore, Ukrainian missiles reportedly struck various buildings in the occupied region. Video clips circulating showed air raid sirens blaring as smoke billowed across the sky, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing conflict.
Throughout the conflict, Ukraine has employed Storm Shadow missiles, believed to have been used in this attack. These air-launched cruise missiles, capable of traveling up to 600mph and striking targets up to 350 miles away, have proven effective against Russian forces in the area.
In addition to targeting the airfield, Ukraine has previously utilized Storm Shadow missiles and explosive-laden drone boats to inflict damage on Russian ships, including the Kilo-class Rostov-on-Don submarine. The successful attacks by Ukrainian forces have contributed to weakening Putin’s Black Sea Fleet.
As tensions escalate, both Ukrainian and Russian officials continue to exchange conflicting reports on the outcomes of the attacks. While Russian Defense Ministry claims to have intercepted and downed multiple Ukrainian missiles, local authorities in Crimea assert that they thwarted a significant portion of the barrage. The situation remains volatile, with uncertainties surrounding the extent of damage inflicted on Putin’s naval assets in Sevastopol.
Despite encountering resistance from Russian forces, Ukraine remains determined to reclaim control over key strategic locations in Crimea. The ongoing conflict underscores the region’s significance in the broader geopolitical landscape, as both nations vie for dominance in the area.