Ukrainian strike shakes Russian airbase in Lipetsk

Source: Ukraine’s General Staff, Suspilne

Ukrainian Defense Forces  launched a successful attack on a military airbase in Lipetsk, Russia, in early hours of  August 9. The strike reportedly triggered a massive detonation of munitions, causing chaos at the base.

In its statement on Friday, Ukraine’s General Staff said that “several sources of ignition were detected [at the airbase], a large fire broke out and multiple detonations were observed”.

The airbase, known to host Su-34, Su-35, and MiG-31 aircraft, was clearly hit hard as the attack targeted its warehouses filled with over 700 guided aerial bombs, though the full extent of damage remains unclear.

Ukrainian forces also targeted Russian air defense systems in the temporarily occupied Donetsk region. Three radar stations linked to S-350 and S-300 systems were struck, adding to Russian air defenses’ woes.

The attack got a muted response from the regional governor who wrote that  the detonations occurred away from civilian areas.

Following the attack, the Lipetsk region declared a state of emergency. Local officials confirmed that air defenses were engaged but could not prevent the extensive damage.