Ukraine has launched a major overnight attack on Russia’s Borisoglebsk military airbase in the Voronezh region, claiming that four Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers were destroyed and two others damaged.
The operation reportedly took place on October 15, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirming that the military used the country’s long-range Neptune missile system to strike the facility.
According to Zelenskyy, the targeted Russian aircraft were preparing for additional attacks against Ukraine and had already been loaded with aerial bombs.
Ukraine’s General Staff said all six Su-34M aircraft suffered varying levels of damage during the operation. Explosions and a fire were reported at the airbase, while satellite images reportedly showed signs of destruction at the site.
The Su-34 is among Russia’s key combat aircraft, regularly used to launch guided aerial bombs against Ukrainian military positions and cities near the frontline. If Ukraine’s claims are confirmed, the loss of several aircraft could weaken Russia’s ability to conduct air operations in the affected areas.
However, the full extent of the damage has not been independently established.
Zelenskyy also announced additional Ukrainian long-range strikes targeting a facility used to store and launch attack drones in Russia’s Oryol region, alongside another target in the Black Sea.
Kyiv described the operations as retaliation for Russia’s continued attacks on Ukrainian territory, warning that further long-range strikes would follow as the war continues.