Mutual Strikes Continue Between Ukraine and Russia “Putin’s Bombing of Kyiv – Zelenskyy Hits Back, Destroys Russian Air Bases”
Following a massive wave of Russian bombings on Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities, Ukraine has claimed it carried out retaliatory strikes targeting two Russian air bases, an oil refinery, and a defense manufacturing plant.
Ukraine announced the counteroffensive on Friday, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched intense drone and missile attacks across multiple Ukrainian cities on Thursday night. According to Ukrainian officials, hundreds of drones and missiles were fired, killing at least four people and injuring dozens.
Ongoing Escalation Amid Peace Talks
Despite ongoing direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey, both sides remain locked in a cycle of escalating violence. For weeks, Russia has been launching daily drone and missile attacks deep into Ukrainian territory.
On Friday, Ukraine said it had targeted the Dyagilevo air base near Moscow, an air base and fuel depot in Saratov region, and a defense factory in Tambov province.
Just days earlier, on Sunday, Ukraine carried out drone strikes on five Russian air bases, reportedly destroying nearly one-third of Russia’s long-range, nuclear-capable bombers and surveillance aircraft.
In response, President Putin, in a phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump, promised retaliation. It remains unclear whether the latest wave of Russian bombings on Thursday night was part of that retaliation or a continuation of routine strikes.
Strikes on Bomber Air Bases and Defense Plants
According to Kyiv Post, one of the key Ukrainian strikes was on Engels Air Base, a major hub for Russian strategic bombers.
Though French news agency AFP did not specify the exact aircraft involved, the Ukrainian military stated the base was a “central hub for enemy aircraft.”
Ukraine also struck the Dyagilevo Air Base near Moscow, known to house refueling and escort aircraft used in aerial attacks against Ukraine.
The military added that at least three oil and fuel tanks were destroyed in Saratov.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, told Kyiv Post that Ukrainian drones hit both the Engels fuel depot and the "Progress" defense factory in Michurinsk, Tambov Province.
Kovalenko said the Progress Plant is a vital component of Russia's military-industrial complex, and its destruction would deal a major blow to Russia’s defense production capabilities.
