A pair of Ukraine’s Mi-24 “Hind” helicopters have reportedly made a daring raid greater than 20 miles into Russia, destroying an oil depot within the southern metropolis of Belgorod on Friday, in line with Russian officers and open supply experiences.
The governor of Russia’s Belgorod area, Vyacheslav Gladkov, accused Ukraine of finishing up the assault in a Telegram publish, Reuters reported. He mentioned that the 2 helicopters entered Russia flying at low altitude, presumably to evade air defenses.
Different senior Russian officers, together with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, have acknowledged the strike and argued that it’ll negatively impression ongoing peace negotiations between the 2 international locations.
Though Ukraine’s prime diplomat, Dmytro Kuleva, informed reporters in Poland that he can neither verify nor deny the assault, movies posted to social media seem to point out two Mi-24 helicopters launching rockets on the depot after which flying again within the path of Ukraine at low altitude. A spokesperson for Ukraine’s protection ministry additionally mentioned he might neither verify nor deny the assault.
It’s not clear what impression the destruction of the oil depot could have on the Russian struggle effort. NATO officers have beforehand indicated that the Kremlin’s forces have had bother sustaining a gradual provide of gas for autos on the entrance traces, and reported drone strikes have beforehand focused gas trains and different logistics property.
The strike additionally serves as additional proof that the struggle for management of Ukraine’s — and now Russia’s — skies stays extra contested than analysts thought potential earlier than the struggle.
Samuel Bendett, a Russian drone warfare professional with the CNA assume tank, beforehand informed Navy Instances that one of the “inexplicable” elements of Russia’s struggle towards Ukraine has been the Kremlin’s failure to efficiently combine layered air protection into its fight formations. Russian doctrine requires battalion tactical teams to incorporate important air protection capabilities.
“[In Ukraine], Russia doesn’t appear to show the very techniques, methods and procedures that it’s practiced for years and sought to excellent in Syria…[to provide] enough cowl to its floor forces,” he mentioned.
Davis Winkie is a employees reporter protecting the Army. He initially joined Navy Instances as a reporting intern in 2020. Earlier than journalism, Davis labored as a navy historian. He’s additionally a human sources officer within the Army Nationwide Guard.
