In a significant development, Ukraine announced on Sunday that its forces successfully targeted an advanced Russian Su-57 warplane stationed at an air base located approximately 370 miles away from the front lines. This strike, if confirmed, marks Ukraine's first known successful attack on the state-of-the-art stealth fighter aircraft. The satellite photos provided by Kyiv's main military intelligence service showcased the aftermath of the attack.

The attack took place on Saturday at the Akhtubinsk base in southern Russia, which is approximately 366 miles from the Ukrainian border. While it remains unclear which weapons were employed, the distance between the airfield and Ukraine suggests that drones were likely used in the strike.

This development comes after the United States and Germany recently granted authorization to Ukraine to target specific locations on Russian soil using the long-range weapons supplied to them. Under the guidance of President Joe Biden, these weapons are permitted to be used for the limited purpose of defending Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. Prior to this strike, Ukraine had already utilized U.S. weapons to target areas within Russia.

According to the Ukrainian agency, the targeted warplane was among a few of its kind in Moscow's inventory. The Su-57 is highly praised as Russia's most advanced military aircraft capable of carrying stealth missiles across long distances. Reports from Russian agencies indicate that Moscow acquired "more than 10" of these aircraft last year, with plans to produce 76 by 2028. The Russian Defense Ministry has not yet issued a comment regarding the reported strike.

In response, Russia claimed that its forces successfully downed three Ukrainian drones in the Astrakhan region, which houses the Akhtubinsk airstrip. Furthermore, Ukrainian forces carried out continued drone attacks on Russia's southern border regions, as confirmed by local Russian officials. On Saturday, three drones hit Belgorod province, causing damage to a power line and windows, but no casualties were reported. On Sunday, two additional drones and a Ukrainian-made missile were intercepted in the same region.

Meanwhile, Russian shelling in Ukraine's front-line provinces resulted in the deaths of at least three civilians, with an additional nine individuals wounded. The village of Khotimlya, east of Kharkiv, was heavily affected, with one man losing his life and two women sustaining injuries. Shelling also caused damage to local infrastructure and private property, including a school and a council building.

Delving into the ongoing conflict, heavy battles between Ukrainian and invading Russian forces continue in the Kharkiv region, where the Russian offensive has concentrated its efforts. However, there have been reports of Ukrainian defenses being tested in the Donetsk region to the south, as well as incursions in the Sumy and Chernihiv regions to the north.

By easing restrictions on the use of Western-supplied weapons, Ukraine aims to protect Kharkiv by targeting Russian capabilities across the border. The impact of this development on the overall direction of the war remains uncertain, but it marks a critical period in the ongoing conflict. Russia strongly reacted to this move, warning of possible NATO involvement in a war with Russia. However, Jake Sullivan, President Biden's national security adviser, emphasized the necessity of the decision, describing it as "common sense" given the Russian offensive and the need for Ukrainian self-defense.

As tensions escalate, the international community continues to closely monitor the situation, while Ukraine remains steadfast in its efforts to defend its sovereignty and protect its territories.