It remains a mystery who was behind the attack on Saki Air Base in Crimea, annexed to Russia. But satellite photos offer new clues: The images from the independent company Planet Lab reveal three nearly identical craters – here buildings were hit with clear precision. This indicates that Ukraine has new long-range weapons, Western military experts explain. That could change the course of the war.
The Saki base on the southwest coast of Crimea has suffered extensive fire damage and eight destroyed fighter jets are clearly visible. Russia has denied any aircraft damage and said Tuesday’s explosions at the base were accidental. Ukraine has not publicly claimed responsibility for the attack. “We are not officially confirming or denying anything,” Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podoliak told Reuters. “We have to keep in mind that there were several epicenters of explosions at the same time,” he said of the damage.
Base hit by gun salvo
There is speculation as to how the attack was carried out. The nearly identical impact craters and simultaneous explosions indicate that the base was hit by a volley of weapons that evaded the Russian defenses. The base is far beyond the range of the modern missiles that Western countries claim to have sent to Ukraine. Ukraine has Neptune-type anti-ship missiles that could theoretically hit land-based targets.
US newspapers The New York Times and The Washington Post quoted unspecified officials as saying Ukrainian troops were responsible for the attack on Crimea. The Institute for the Study of War think tank said Ukrainian officials described the attack on Crimea as the start of Ukraine’s counter-offensive in the south, suggesting fierce fighting in August and September.
Zelenskyj calls for silence on military tactics
An offensive in southern Ukraine could determine the outcome of the next phase of the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked his staff to stop talking to reporters about Kiev’s military tactics against Russia. Such statements are simply irresponsible. He himself previously promised his compatriots that he would retake the Crimean peninsula for Ukraine.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
