Ukrainian drone raid shakes Kremlin, tests Russia's defences
The Sunday attack by Ukrainian drones on Russian bomber bases shook the Kremlin, but did not significantly reduce Russia's military potential, according to the Bloomberg news agency. It also added that the action by the Ukrainian army undermined Putin's image.
What do you need to know?
- Ukrainian drone attack: On Sunday, Ukrainian drones attacked Russian bomber bases.
- According to Bloomberg, the attack undermined Putin's image and shook the Kremlin environment.
- Aftermath of the raid: Western experts assess that the damage was significant, although Moscow and Kyiv differ in their assessment of the number of damaged machines.
The Sunday attack by Ukrainian drones on Russian bomber bases, although it did not significantly reduce Russia's military potential, undermined Putin's image and shook the Kremlin environment, according to news agencies.
Bloomberg wrote that the raid on the bases, where Tu-160, Tu-95, and Tu-22 M3 bombers are stationed, was a direct hit on aviation resources. Western experts are still assessing the effects of the raid, and the damage was described as "significant" by one high-ranking official.
Did the attack affect the Russian nuclear triad?
According to Dmitry Stefanovich from the Centre for International Security in Moscow, the attack is expected to have a slight impact on Russia's nuclear forces, which primarily rely on intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarines. However, the mere fact of a precise hit on the bases was a blow to Russia's deterrence capability.
Thomas Withington, an air defence specialist, noted that Ukrainian forces revealed the "inability of the Russian air defence to protect key strategic assets."
What are the international consequences of the attack?
Sanctions imposed on Russia will make it difficult for them to acquire parts and technology needed to repair damaged equipment. Bloomberg noted that any limitation on Russian aviation resources is good news for European governments. Thomas Withington emphasised that "by taking strategic bombers out of the fight, Ukraine helped reduce the threat in this area to NATO and its allies."
