
Ukraine reported striking a Russian airbase while Russia continued intensive drone attacks on Ukrainian territory overnight, marking an escalation in the conflict that has reduced prospects for peace negotiations.
The Ukrainian military General Staff announced that Ukrainian forces had successfully targeted the Borisoglebsk airbase in Russia’s Voronezh region. Officials described the facility as the primary base for Russia’s Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-30SM fighter aircraft.
In a Facebook statement, the General Staff reported hitting a depot containing glide bombs, a training aircraft, and “possibly other aircraft.” Russian officials have not yet responded to the attack claims.
These strikes on Russian airbases serve dual purposes: reducing Russia’s military capabilities and demonstrating Ukraine’s ability to reach high-value targets within Russian territory. Last month, Ukraine claimed to have destroyed over 40 Russian aircraft at multiple airfields deep inside Russia during a coordinated drone operation.
Russia launched 322 drones and decoys against Ukraine overnight into Saturday, according to Ukraine’s air force. Ukrainian forces intercepted 157 of these aircraft, while 135 were lost, likely through electronic jamming systems.
The air force identified Ukraine’s western Khmelnytskyi region as the primary target of the assault. Regional governor Serhii Tyurin confirmed no damage, injuries, or fatalities from the attack.
Russia has intensified its long-range offensive operations against Ukraine recently. Drone and missile waves targeted Kyiv overnight into Friday in what officials described as the largest aerial assault since the invasion began, resulting in one death and at least 26 injuries.
The latest attacks followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s announcement Friday of a “very important and productive” telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump.
According to Zelensky’s statement, the leaders discussed strengthening Ukrainian air defenses, potential joint weapons production between the US and Ukraine, and broader American-led initiatives to end the conflict with Russia.
When reporters asked Trump about the call Friday night, he responded: “We had a very good call, I think.” Regarding prospects for ending the fighting, the US leader stated: “I don’t know. I can’t tell you whether or not that’s going to happen.”
The United States has suspended certain military aid shipments to Ukraine, including critical air defense missiles. Ukraine’s primary European allies are evaluating how to compensate for this reduced support. Zelensky indicated plans to expand Ukraine’s domestic arms manufacturing, though scaling up production will require significant time.
Russia’s defense ministry reported shooting down 94 Ukrainian drones overnight into Saturday, plus 12 additional drones Saturday morning. No casualties were reported from these incidents.
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