Ukraine’s military intelligence claimed on Sunday that its forces successfully hit a Russian Su-57 warplane at an air base nearly 600 kilometers from the front lines. Satellite photos were shared to show the aftermath of the attack, marking Ukraine’s first known strike on the advanced fighter jet. The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense stated that the strike took place at the Akhtubinsk base in southern Russia, damaging the aircraft capable of carrying stealth missiles across hundreds of kilometers. Reports from Russian agencies indicated that Moscow has obtained a significant number of Su-57s and plans to deliver more by 2028.
Following the attack, Ukraine’s military intelligence spokesman, Andriy Yusov, suggested that two Su-57 jets may have been damaged at the base, with Russian personnel also wounded. The use of Ukrainian-made drones was indicated due to the airstrip’s distance from Ukraine, and the lack of official confirmation from Russia. Ukraine has recently been authorized by the United States and Germany to target certain locations on Russian soil with long-range weapons supplied to Kyiv. This new guidance from President Joe Biden allows American arms to be used for defending Ukrainian cities such as Kharkiv.
Russia’s Su-57 fleet has been noticeably absent from the skies over Ukraine, opting to fire long-range missiles across the border instead. Despite claims of downing Ukrainian drones, Russia has not directly acknowledged the strike on the Akhtubinsk airstrip. Ukrainian forces continued drone attacks on Russian border regions, with multiple incidents reported in Belgorod province causing damage but no casualties. Civilians in Ukraine’s front-line provinces suffered casualties from Russian shelling, with reports of deaths and injuries in villages near Kharkiv. Russian forces have been pushing into Ukrainian territories, prompting fears for Kharkiv and a wave of civilian evacuations.
The easing of restrictions on the use of Western weapons will aid Ukraine in defending Kharkiv by targeting Russian capabilities across the border. This move has drawn criticism from Moscow, warning of potential NATO involvement in a war with Russia. However, Western officials view the decision as necessary to combat the Russian offensive in Kharkiv and other regions of Ukraine. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia remains at a critical juncture, as Ukrainian forces continue to resist Russian incursions and heavy battles persist. The impact of international support on the direction of the war remains uncertain as tensions escalate in the region.
