Vladimir Putin is reeling after Ukrainian drones targeted multiple Russian airfields overnight, including one housing strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The most significant strike hit the Borisoglebsk airfield in Voronezh Oblast, where guided bombs damaged a warehouse, aircraft, and other military assets, according to Ukraine’s General Staff.
The base hosts Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-30SM jets—key components of Russia’s air campaign against Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities said at least one training or combat aircraft may have been destroyed, with further assessments ongoing. NASA’s FIRMS satellite system detected a fire near the airfield shortly after the strike, reported the Kyiv Independent. Local residents, cited by Russian outlet Astra, reported 8–10 powerful explosions at about 2am.
The attack was part of a broader overnight drone assault which hit targets in at least six Russian regions.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said 42 drones were intercepted within a three-hour window, mostly over Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk oblasts. These areas, close to the Ukrainian border, have seen repeated attacks in recent weeks.
In Leningrad Oblast, two drones were downed near St Petersburg, triggering a brief shutdown of Pulkovo Airport.
No injuries or damage were reported, Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed.
Smolensk Oblast Governor Vasily Anokhin said three drones were destroyed by air defences, while Voronezh authorities also reported multiple drone interceptions.
Explosions were heard in Engels, Saratov Oblast, home to a strategic air base where Tu-95 and Tu-160 nuclear-capable bombers are stationed.
While Russian officials have not confirmed damage there, Telegram channels linked to Russian military sources suggested the site may have been a target.
Separately, video footage shared online showed a fire at an industrial facility in Cheboksary, capital of the Chuvash Republic, following reported explosions.
The strikes come amid a surge in Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities. In response, Kyiv has intensified long-range drone operations aimed at degrading Russia’s strike capability and pushing the war closer to those enabling the Kremlin’s invasion.
The Russian Defence Ministry has yet to comment on the extent of the damage caused at Borisoglebsk or Engels.
The Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-30SM are frontline Russian multirole fighter jets used for both air-to-air combat and precision strikes on ground targets.
The Su-34 in particular is designed for long-range bombing missions and can carry guided bombs and air-to-surface missiles.
At Engels air base, Russia stations Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers—long-range aircraft capable of delivering nuclear payloads as well as conventional cruise missiles like the Kh-101.
These bombers have played a central role in Russia’s long-range missile campaign against Ukraine, often launching strikes from deep inside Russian territory while staying out of range of Ukrainian air defences.