Ukrainian forces launch surpise attack on key airbase in Crimea

Source: Serhyi Bratchyk/Freedom interview

Ukrainian troops launched air strikes targeting  the key air field in Sakhi, Crimea. The surprise strike, carried out on the night of July 26, left the Russian air defenses off the guard as the blasts were still rolling across the occupied peninsula.

According to Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesperson for the “South” Ukrainian Volunteer Army,  the raid targeted a crucial Russian ammunition depot. While the full impact is still not clear, early reports suggest that the attack also hurt the enemy’s aircraft stationed at Sakhi.

Bratchuk claimed Russian air defenses had thought there would be no new assaults after the site in Sakhi was hit in January. Russia’s Air Force kept at least 16 Su-34 and Su-35 fighter jets there but the strike was so swift that they  failed to get them airborne.

“The key here isn’t just hitting the planes but taking out the airbase’s infrastructure,” explained Bratchuk. “Without a functioning airbase, the enemy’s flights are seriously hampered. This means their planes might need to be moved farther away, giving our air defenses a better chance to react if needed and providing our people with more time to stay safe.