Ukraine struck a Russian air base on Saturday, but Russia continued to smash Ukraine with hundreds of drones overnight as part of a gradual bombing campaign that shattered hopes of efforts to end the war for more than three years.
A Ukrainian military official said that Ukrainian forces had attacked Bolisogrebuk Air Base in the Bolognez region of Russia, explaining it is home to Russia’s SU-34, SU-35S and SU-30SM fighter jets.
Writing on Facebook, the public staff said they attacked the depot, which contained glide bombs, training aircraft and “probably other aircraft.”
Russian officials did not immediately comment on the attack.
Such attacks on Russian air bases aim to halt Russia’s military capabilities and demonstrate Ukraine’s ability to strike a valuable target in Russia. Last month, Ukraine said it had destroyed more than 40 Russian planes stationed at several airfields deep in Russian territory in a surprise drone attack.
Russia fired 322 drones and decoys at Ukraine overnight on Saturday, the Ukrainian Air Force said. Of these, 157 were shot down, 135 were lost, and possibly clogged electronically.
According to the Air Force, the western Kumelnitsky region of Ukraine was the main target of the attack. Regional Governor Serhii Tyurin said on Saturday that no damage, injuries or deaths were reported.
Russia is stepping up its long-range attacks on Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, waves of drones and missiles targeted Kiev on Friday. On Saturday, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the number of people killed in assaults has increased to two. A further 31 people were injured.
A fresh wave of attack came after Ukrainian President Voldimi Zelensky said he had a “very important and productive” call with President Donald Trump on Friday.
The two leaders discussed how Ukrainian air defenses will be strengthened, joint arms production between the US and Ukraine, and how broader US-led efforts to end the war with Russia, according to a statement from Zelensky.
When asked about the call Friday night, Trump said, “I think we had a very good call.”
When asked about finding a way to end the battle, Trump said: “I don’t know. I don’t know if that will happen.”
The US has suspended several shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including critical air defense missiles. Ukraine’s major European supporters are considering how they can help them pick up slack. Zelensky says plans are underway to accumulate Ukraine’s domestic arms industry, but scale up will take time.
The Russian Ministry of Defense said it fired 94 Ukrainian drones overnight on Saturday, along with 45 drones in the morning and early afternoon. No casualties have been reported, but local officials in the Saratov area said 25 apartments were damaged by Ukrainian drones in the city of Engels.
Four Ukrainian drones were shot down while approaching Moscow on Saturday, according to Moscow mayor Sergei Sobianin. Russian Aviation Authority Rozaviatsya said air traffic was temporarily suspended in one of Moscow’s airports, like Sheremetyevo.
