Russian strikes target Ukrainian bases to halt F‑16 deliveries

Russia is firing missiles at Ukrainian bases, apparently trying to prevent them from receiving F-16 jets, which have been dubbed "war winners" because of their potential to repel Russian attacks on the front line, according to the "Daily Telegraph."

For three days, Russian armed forces have been carrying out attacks on Ukrainian airports, using Iskander missiles and drones. AFP reports that the first F-16 fighters may already be on Ukrainian territory, which seems to be confirmed by the increase in the frequency of Russian attacks. Officially, however, Ukrainian authorities maintain that they are still awaiting the delivery of these aircraft.

One European military officer, who preferred to remain anonymous, told AFP that several F-16 fighters are already in Ukraine but have not yet been used in combat operations.

Russian authorities claim that during one of the attacks on the airport in Myrhorod, which is 150 kilometres from the border, they destroyed five Ukrainian Su-27 combat aircraft. The Ukrainian side, however, admits to losing only two machines. Another piece of Ukrainian equipment that was reportedly destroyed is a Mi-24 helicopter, hit by an Iskander missile at the base in Poltava. The Russians also reported the destruction of a Ukrainian MiG-29, which was stationed at the airport in Dovhenke, a district of Kryvyi Rih.

Video footage released by the Russian army confirms Russia's ability to conduct long-range reconnaissance. The recordings indicate that Russian reconnaissance drones were able to penetrate deep into Ukrainian territory and conduct long-term observation of Ukrainian airports without being detected.

Konrad Muzyka, a military expert and director of Rochan Consulting, told AFP that "Ukraine has a limited number of air defence systems and has to make difficult choices. It cannot simultaneously protect cities, critical infrastructure, and airports." Muzyka, who analyzes data on the Russian and Belarusian military from open sources (OSINT), explained that the central problem for Ukraine is the lack of sufficient air defence systems, allowing Russian drones to penetrate further into the country.

Until now, there was no evidence that Russian drones could conduct such far-reaching surveillance. Muzyka noted that Russians are now sending them in pairs - one conducts surveillance, and the other is responsible for maintaining communication.

The expert emphasized that bombing airports will not directly affect the war's course. However, as Muzyka explained, Ukrainians will have to frequently change the airports where their F-16s are stationed to avoid further losses of such valuable equipment.