Explosions lit up the Ukrainian sky early Tuesday, July 2, as the country's air defenses repelled a Russian assault on the small town of Starokostiantyniv in the western region.
Significant Airbase
According to Ziare this town, home to a significant airbase, frequently faces attacks from Moscow.
The attack coincides with the anticipated arrival of the first Western F-16 fighter jets later this month.
Ukraine is currently grappling with the challenge of rebuilding its depleted air force while preparing to deploy the US-manufactured F-16s, which Russia is determined to destroy before they can be used.
Ukrainian officials have not disclosed where the F-16s will be stationed, but Moscow claimed last week that it targeted Ukrainian airfields believed to be potential bases for these aircraft. Ukraine hopes these jets will strengthen its forces, which are struggling to repel Russian advances along the front lines.
Ongoing Struggles in Starokostiantyniv
The Starokostiantyniv airbase has been under frequent attack since the early days of Russia's invasion in February 2022, enduring strikes from drones and hypersonic missiles.
The town, known locally as Starkon and home to about 30,000 people, has adapted to the constant threat.
"Living here is 'exciting'," Vasyl Muliar, a local official and cultural expert, remarked with ironic humor following the recent attack.
A spokesperson for the Ukrainian air force acknowledged the challenges posed by the strikes but assured that they would not hinder the delivery or combat use of the F-16s.
Military analysts suggest that Russia aims to target airbase infrastructure, such as runways and storage facilities, to complicate the arrival of the F-16s and, once they arrive, will likely focus on the aircraft themselves.
Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute noted that Ukraine's limited air defense resources might force them to move the valuable jets between airfields frequently.
Resilience Amid Adversity
Despite the ongoing war and frequent power outages caused by Russian attacks on the energy system, the residents of Starokostiantyniv exhibit remarkable resilience.
Roadworks continue as planes fly overhead, and families and teenagers find respite on the local beach. Irina Sapchuk, editor-in-chief of the local newspaper, humorously remarked on how she misses the sound of planes when traveling through quieter parts of Ukraine, as it has become a comforting sign of the Ukrainian pilots' ongoing fight.
Local official Vasyl Muliar highlighted the town's long history of resistance, dating back to the 16th century and its role as a stronghold for independence fighters after World War I. "This has always been a center of resistance," he stated, emphasizing the town's enduring spirit in the face of adversity.
