A massive fire has ripped through a Russian military airbase after a Ukrainian drone strike destroyed aircraft and helicopters, dealing a humiliating setback to Vladimir Putin. The bombardment hit Rostov-on-Don during the night, with air raid warnings blaring and footage revealing extensive damage to the Tsentralny military airfield.
Zelensky confirms aircraft destroyed
A blaze engulfed a portion of the airfield typically used for parking military aircraft and helicopters. Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the "precise strike" on the airbase, confirming that an An-12 aircraft, two An-26s, and three additional helicopters were obliterated.
He also revealed that the Yaroslavl oil refinery was struck, expressing gratitude to Ukrainian "warriors" for ensuring the "war felt by Russia every day".
Zelensky's Telegram statement
Zelensky posted on Telegram: "I thank our warriors who make the war felt by Russia every day. Tonight, thanks to a joint operation by the SBU, SBS, GUR, and SZR, the Yaroslavl oil refinery was hit."
"The Security Service also carried out a precise strike on a military airfield in Rostov-the destruction of an An-12 aircraft, two An-26s, and three more helicopters has been confirmed. There are also good results in the Black Sea. We respond to aggression every day. Russia must choose peace."
Explosions and aftermath in Rostov
A sequence of explosions was visible erupting from the Tsentralny military airfield, and the night sky blazed with flames. Rostov Oblast Governor Yury Slyusar acknowledged a blaze erupted after the strike but made no reference to the military airfield.
He alleged falling drone wreckage damaged a substation, sparking a secondary blast that cut electricity across four districts.
Energy infrastructure strikes continue
Both Ukraine and Russia have persisted in striking energy infrastructure despite Donald Trump asserting they had pledged not to, owing to escalating fuel costs globally. The US president posted on Truth Social: "Ukraine has agreed not to hit Russian Energy Targets. Russia has agreed to do, likewise!".
Meanwhile, Russian missiles and drones aimed at Kyiv and the surrounding area wounded at least 19 people during the night, officials reported.
Kyiv strikes and Ukrainian air defence
The Kyiv City Military Administration stated the strikes were logged at over 10 locations throughout the city, while 33 sites sustained damage in the broader region. A 10-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy were amongst those hurt, the administration announced in a Telegram statement.
Ukraine's air force reported it eliminated or neutralised 131 Russian aerial targets during the night-time assault across the Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia and Odesa regions. The offensive featured ballistic and cruise missiles alongside drones and decoys.
Russian Defence Ministry claims
Russia's Defence Ministry claimed the military struck metallurgical and electronics facilities, military-industrial complex factories, and energy and transport infrastructure. It stated that three cargo vessels and a ferry transporting supplies for the Ukrainian military were targeted in the port of Chornomorsk.
