**Ukraine Strikes Back at Russia: A Counterattack of Epic Proportions**
In a bold move, Ukrainian forces launched a series of strikes against multiple Russian airfields and military facilities on June 6. This preemptive strike came just hours before Russia unleashed one of its heaviest aerial assaults of the war.
According to reports from Ukraine’s General Staff, the strikes targeted Engels and Dyagilevo airfields, which serve as crucial hubs for Russia’s long-range bomber fleet. These airfields are home to some of Russia’s most powerful aircraft, including the Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 bombers.
**The Strikes: A Blow to Russian Military Capabilities**
Engels-2 air base in Saratov Oblast was particularly affected by the strike. Ukraine claimed that a large fire broke out at the facility, hitting at least three fuel tanks. Local reports confirmed significant damage and explosions in the area.
Meanwhile, the Dyagilevo airfield in Ryazan Oblast also suffered from Ukrainian strikes, with fire damage reported and Russian air defense activity recorded. The results of this strike are still being assessed.
In addition to targeting these critical airfields, Ukraine’s forces also struck a logistics center tied to Russia’s 30th Motorized Rifle Regiment near Kulbaki in Kursk Oblast.
**Russia Responds: A Heavy-Handed Rebuttal**
Just hours after the Ukrainian strikes, Russia launched its own counterattack against Ukraine. According to reports, Russia attacked Ukraine with 452 drones and 45 missiles, killing at least five people and injuring 73 in one of the largest attacks of the full-scale war.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that it intercepted 174 Ukrainian drones overnight across 12 regions of Russia and occupied Crimea.
**A New Era of Long-Range Strikes**
The latest wave of Ukrainian strikes underscores Kyiv’s evolving long-range strike capability. This preemptive attack marks a significant shift in Ukraine’s military strategy, as it seeks to degrade Russian assets used in air assaults.
In a similar operation on June 1, Ukraine launched “Operation Spiderweb,” a daring mass drone attack that damaged 41 Russian heavy bombers at four key airfields throughout the country. This daring strike caused approximately $7 billion in damage and highlights Ukraine’s growing capabilities in long-range warfare.
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