Ukrainian long-range drones struck four Russian airbases overnight on August 14, in what is described as the largest attack on airfields during the war.
A source from Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) shared the details with The Kyiv Independent.
Earlier in the day, Russian officials claimed to have downed over 110 Ukrainian drones in a massive strike, with explosions reported at the Savasleyka, Borisoglebsk, and Baltimore airbases by local Telegram channels.
The SBU confirmed that these three airbases were targeted, along with another strike on the airbase in Kursk.
This follows Ukraine's recent incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast, which is the first time Ukrainian troops have entered Russian territory during the conflict.
The drone attack was a coordinated effort between the SBU, Ukraine's Air Force, Special Operation Forces, Unmanned Systems Forces, and military intelligence agency (HUR).
The primary objective was to prevent Russia from using these airbases to launch strikes on Ukrainian military positions and civilian areas with KAB bombs.
Russian Telegram channels reported 10 explosions at the Savasleyka airbase in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, which houses the Kinzhal missile carrier, MiG-31K.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty also released NATO satellite images showing possible fires near the Savasleyka and Baltimore airbases.
Videos shared on Russian social media showed drones and air defense fire in the Voronezh and Nizhny Novgorod regions.
Savasleyka is located about 650 kilometers (400 miles) from Ukraine's border, while the Baltimore and Borisoglebsk airbases in Voronezh Oblast are 180 and 260 kilometers (110 and 160 miles) away, respectively.
The Kursk airfield, known as Khalino Airbase, is about 95 kilometers (60 miles) from Ukraine and hosts MiG-29 fighter jets.
"The SBU continues to methodically weaken the Air Force component of the Russian military machine," the source said.
