The UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) said Russia’s Black Sea Fleet has been “seriously weakened” by explosions at a Russian-operated airfield in Crimea this week.
On Tuesday, a series of explosions hit the Saky base in the western part of Russian-ruled Crimea, killing one person there.
The Ministry of Defense reported in its daily intelligence brief that the explosions had caused the destruction of eight Russian fighter planes.
Satellite imagery is consistent with the idea of a targeted strike, notwithstanding Ukraine’s denial of any involvement.
At least five fighter-bombers and three multi-role jets were “very probably destroyed or substantially damaged,” according to the statement, however the source of the explosions remains unknown.
Losing eight fighter jets won’t have much of an impact on Moscow’s overall fleet, but it would hurt the Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet, according to the report.
“The fleet’s naval aviation capability has been considerably reduced,” the ministry said.
The Saky fleet fights Ukrainian fighters in the south of the country and most likely conducts assessments in the east.
When Moscow finally took control of the city in May, the port city of Mariupol was mostly destroyed by Russian artillery.
Though Russia claims none of its planes were hurt, satellite photos show otherwise.
According to the Turkish Ministry of Defense, Ukraine’s first wheat shipment since Russia’s invasion has left port and is headed for Turkey. The ship was one of two to leave Ukraine’s Black Sea ports on that day.
According to the UN-mediated agreement between Russia and the West, a total of 14 ships have successfully navigated the Russian naval blockade.
