MOSCOW: Russia claimed on Tuesday to have destroyed or damaged five Ukrainian military jets in a strike on an air base near Myrgorod, central Ukraine, as Kyiv prepares for the arrival of long-awaited F-16 fighters, AFP reported. Myrgorod is situated approximately 150 kilometers from the Russian border.
According to Russia’s defense ministry, the strike, carried out using Iskander-M missiles, targeted the air base where it claimed five operational SU-27 multirole fighters were destroyed, with two additional jets damaged that were undergoing repairs at the time of the attack. The ministry released footage on Telegram showing billowing smoke and charred earth at the airfield, allegedly showing the aftermath of the strike.
Verification of the footage and the accuracy of Russia’s claims by AFP or independent sources could not be immediately confirmed.
Ukraine’s air force declined to comment on Russia’s claims when approached by AFP. However, Ukrainian Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk affirmed Ukrainian military operations and successes, noting ongoing missions targeting Russian positions and military facilities. Oleshchuk shared footage of a Ukrainian attack on an ammunition depot in Crimea, the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014.
Reports from Ukrainian military bloggers and analysts suggested losses of equipment in Myrgorod, criticizing the positioning of aircraft without adequate protection, which may have contributed to the vulnerability during the strike.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is anticipating the imminent arrival of Western-made F-16 fighters, a crucial enhancement in its defense capabilities against Russian assaults. The F-16 deliveries, supported by NATO countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark, have been long-awaited and are seen as crucial in bolstering Ukraine’s defenses.
However, concerns have been raised about the safety of these advanced aircraft on the ground following recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian airfields. Defense Express, a Ukraine-based think tank, highlighted the imperative of ensuring the security of the F-16s against potential Russian attacks.
Russia has explicitly stated its intention to target and neutralize any Western military hardware, including F-16s, provided to Ukraine. Ukraine has not said where it will base the F-16s.
