UK intelligence evaluates impact of Ukrainian attacks on Russian airfields

This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defense.

In June 2024, the Russian Air Force used tactical aircraft to pressure the front line in Ukraine, while kamikaze drones targeted rear infrastructure and military sites.

However, between June 12 and 18, Russian long-range aircraft redirected their cruise missile strikes to Ukrainian air bases. This shift likely reflects frustration with successful Ukrainian airstrikes and concerns about future F-16 deployments.

Additionally, coordinated Ukrainian attacks on Crimea destroyed key elements of Russian S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems.

These successes highlight Russia's struggle to protect its assets in Crimea, despite significant economic costs for air defense. While Russia can replace systems quickly, continued losses will likely force it to use equipment from other territories to maintain air defense coverage, the report stated.

Intelligence believes that further successful Ukrainian attacks on Russian airfields like Mozdok, Akhtubinsk, and Morozovsk will likely push Russia to disperse aircraft further from the front line.

This will almost certainly increase aircraft and crew fatigue due to longer flight times. The loss of the Su-34 fighter-bomber in North Ossetia on June 12 may be related to this.

• On the night of June 18, Ukrainian drones attacked two Russian oil depots in the Rostov region, Azov and Azovnefteprodukt, setting 22 fuel tanks on fire.