Ukrainian drones hit the Russian city of Pskov and attempted attacks elsewhere in what appears to be the largest drone attack against Russia so far in its war against Ukraine.
Several drones hit an airport in Pskov in northwest Russia, over 370 miles away from the Ukrainian border, possibly the furthest Russian target from the Ukrainian border hit so far in the war. Additionally, Russian authorities reported the downing of drones over the regions of Moscow, Ryazan, Kaluga, Bryansk, and Oryol, per TASS. Simultaneously, air and water-born drones attempted to hit the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, Crimea. All the attacks occurred in the early morning hours of Wednesday, local time.
HALF OF MAJOR LITHIUM DEALS SINCE 2018 WERE MADE BY CHINESE FIRMS, STUDY SAYS
Russian authorities claim that all drones were intercepted, with the exception of those that hit Pskov, which damaged four IL-76 transport aircraft. Two of the aircraft appear to be severely damaged; a source told TASS that a fire started by the drones fully engulfed two of them. However, no casualties were reported, and authorities are still surveying the damage.
“As for the operation of the airport: a decision was made to cancel all flights for tomorrow (that is, already today, on 08/30/23) until the nature of the possible damage to the runway is clarified,” Pskov Mayor Mikhail Vedernikov wrote on Telegram. “According to preliminary estimates, nothing serious, but it is difficult to verify this at night. If everything is in order, on Thursday the airport will resume its normal operation.”
Videos shared on social media showed explosions around Pskov during the attack and a large fire at the airport.
🇷🇺Explosions are heard in Pskov. Attack on an airfield.
Residents of the city report that automatic bursts are also heard from the airport.
It was reported that over 20 drones were spotted there.
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) August 29, 2023
The number of drones used in the Pskov attack is unclear, but sources familiar with the matter told the popular Russian Telegram channel BRIEF that about 21 drones took part. Authorities reported that three were shot down over Bryansk, one over Oryol, one over Moscow, one over Ryazan, and one over Kaluga, adding that the number of drones used in the attacks against the fleet in Sevastopol is still being calculated.
Notably, Pskov is located relatively far away from the other targets, which are all south of Moscow.
The attacks sent a shockwave through members of Russian nationalist circles, known as “mil bloggers,” who expressed astonishment and fear.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“Attack on the Pskov airfield. Atypical target selection. Just look at the map. This is a completely different direction compared to previous drone launches towards Moscow,” popular Russian war correspondent Alexander Kots wrote on Telegram. “Given the growing technical capabilities of Ukraine, there will soon be no safe places in the European part of Russia. However, taking into account the agent network, not only in [the European part]. We must proceed from this when organizing the security of military and strategic facilities.”
The Russian military quickly responded to the attacks, with explosions recorded in Kyiv and Odesa.
