Preliminary satellite images of the Russian airbase in Crimea appear to confirm that on Wednesday Russian Su-24 and Su-27 warplanes were destroyed by Ukrainian forces, who launched a surprise attack on the airbase. The images show at least eight destroyed planes and several others heavily damaged. The destroyed planes are believed to be some of Russia’s most advanced warplanes, including its most modern stealth aircraft, the Su-35S, which entered service in 2006. The Russian defense ministry has confirmed at least three planes were destroyed during the attack, including two Su-24 bombers and one Su-27 fighter jet.
Brief history of the Crimean Peninsula
The Crimean Peninsula has been the site of conflict for centuries. The Ottomans and the Russians fought over control of the peninsula in the Crimean War of the 1850s. Britain and France eventually intervened on behalf of the Ottomans, and Russia was forced to withdraw. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea after a referendum in which 97% of Crimeans voted to join the Russian Federation. Since then, there has been an international outcry, and sanctions have been placed on Russia by the United States and European Union.
How did Russia conquer the entire peninsula?
Russia's annexation of Crimea began with a stealthy, well-coordinated military operation. First, Russian soldiers seized key strategic points on the peninsula, including airports and government buildings. Next, they cut off communication networks and blocked access to roads leading into Crimea. Finally, they surrounded and took control of the Ukrainian military bases on the peninsula. Within days, Russia had effectively conquered Crimea without firing a single shot.
What happened at the military base?
On Wednesday, a series of explosions ripped through the Belbek military base in Crimea, destroying at least eight Russian warplanes. The cause of the blasts is still unknown, but satellite images released by the Ukrainian government show the devastation caused by the attack.
Putin's response to Ukrainian threats
The Ukrainian government has been threatening to attack Russia for some time now, and it seems that they have finally made good on their promise. Putin responded to the news by calling the Ukrainian government a pack of wolves.
What will happen next?
The satellite images released today show the extensive damage done to the Russian airbase in Crimea. This attack comes as a response to the ongoing conflict in the region, and is likely to escalate tensions further. The Ukrainian government has condemned the attack, and called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. Russia, for its part, has vowed to retaliate against those responsible. The situation is deteriorating rapidly, and it remains to be seen what will happen next.
What can be done?
Satellite images show that Russian warplanes were destroyed in an attack on a Crimea airbase. This is a devastating blow to the Russian military, and it is likely that the Kremlin will retaliate. The best course of action is to wait and see what the Russians do next. If they do not retaliate, then we can assume that they are not serious about protecting their interests in Crimea. If they do retaliate, then we need to be prepared for a full-scale military conflict.
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