Satellite images leave no doubt. The Russian airbase Saky in Crimea was attacked by Ukraine. How is still unclear, probably carried out by Ukrainian special forces or with drone attacks. Regardless of Russia’s explanation that the explosions were caused by accident and that no aircraft were damaged, it is not true.

Why was Saky attacked?

There are several reasons for the attack on the Saky airbase. The main reason is that Russia has used the airbase to attack areas deep inside Ukraine. The attack makes it more difficult for them to do this from this airbase. Satellite images also show that at least 7 Russian fighters were totally destroyed and several more damaged. This reduces the Russians’ striking power in the air. The attack also comes at the time of year when there are most Russian tourists on the annexed peninsula. These tourists were now able to see for themselves that this is a war with heavy losses and not a minor military operation as Putin claims.

But the most important thing for Ukraine is to make the supply lines to the Russian forces at Kherson as difficult as possible. We have seen recently that Ukraine is bombing bridges to cut off Russian forces. Retaking Kherson as quickly as possible is important, among other things to protect the cities of Mykolaiv and Odesa.

Embarrassing for Russia

The attack on the Saky air base is very embarrassing for Russia. That is why they themselves deny that Ukraine is behind it. When using rockets from the Ukrainian side, the central question is how these can fly over 200 km over Russian-controlled areas without being detected. If drones are used, the question is how drones can get into a base for the Russian Air Force. If it was carried out by Ukrainian special forces who entered the area, the question is what kind of security there actually was at the air base.

The attack is a feat. How it’s done doesn’t matter. The execution is very good, as is the timing. After the attack, there was a traffic jam on the road out of Crimea with Russian tourists in shock. Hopefully, when they get home to their apartments in Moscow and St.Petersburg, these will tell them that this is a big war.

Sources:

War in Ukraine Returns to Crimea (foreignpolicy.com)

Russia-Ukraine war: what we know on day 169 of the invasion | Russia | The Guardian