In a recent development, satellite images have revealed the devastation caused by a Ukrainian drone attack on the Morozovsk air base in Russia. The open-source intelligence analyst, Brady Africk, shared before and after pictures that depict significant damage to the airfield.

The pictures taken on June 4 show the air base with its roof and runway intact, while several planes are parked outside. However, the images taken on June 14 paint a grim picture, with the roof appearing smashed in, the runway severely damaged, and no planes visible outside.

Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's defense intelligence chief, confirmed that his forces conducted the attack using at least 70 drones on the night of June 13 to 14. Budanov disclosed that the operation was launched from Ukraine, utilizing Ukrainian Dragon and Splash drones.

The Russian Ministry of Defence acknowledged the drone attack, reporting that its air defense forces intercepted and destroyed a total of 87 drones that night. However, Newsweek has not been able to independently verify these figures.

Numerous Russian Telegram channels, as cited by Pravda, quoted residents of Morozovsk reporting hearing explosions during the attack. Morozovsk, located in the Rostov Oblast, houses front-line bombers including Su-24s, Su-24Ms, and Su-34s.

This is the second major Ukrainian drone attack on Morozovsk in recent months. The district had previously experienced a "large-scale attack" on the night of April 4 to 5, according to Vasily Golubev, the governor of Rostov Oblast. He stated that over 40 targets were destroyed by the Russian air defense network.

When asked if Morozovsk could be targeted again, Budanov responded affirmatively, indicating that further attacks were likely to take place.

Yehor Cherniev, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament and deputy head of the national security, defense, and intelligence committee, shared that American weapons played a crucial role in halting Russia's summer Kharkiv offensive. Cherniev asserted that they managed to stop the Russian offensive operation and destroy sophisticated air defense systems with the assistance of U.S. weaponry. This strategic move forced Russia to redistribute troops and equipment to their rear lines, enhancing the protection of Ukrainian territory.

The escalation of attacks on Crimea continues, in line with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022. Kyiv remains determined to reclaim the Black Sea peninsula, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014.