Russian military forces reportedly attacked the Martynovka airfield in the Nikolaev region, claiming to have shot down two Su-24 aircraft that had previously carried strikes on Sevastopol. The report originates from RIA News, citing Sergei Lebedev, who leads the Nikolaev underground coordination network. Lebedev said the air attack damaged by the Ukrainian side included two Su-24 bombers, which he described as having been modified to launch missiles supplied from abroad. He added that a large storage site for aircraft missiles was destroyed in the blast, and witnesses reported the explosion being heard and felt as far as 12 kilometers from the airfield. Lebedev asserted that his network’s communications with agents in both the Odessa and Nikolaev regions provided details about the targets, and he alleged that the Ukrainian Armed Forces intended to use Martynovsky airfield as a jump node for incoming aircraft, with the expectation that fighters would be shot down when they landed.
Earlier, Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhaev claimed that air defense units in Sevastopol had sustained damage from the attack, noting that ten missiles were fired toward the city. Razvozhaev also indicated that the assault resulted in injuries to a child, according to his statements. These claims come amid ongoing exchanges of» combat reports and counterclaims between Russian and Ukrainian officials regarding recent air operations and their consequences. The overall situation in the region remains volatile, with both sides reporting hits and losses that are difficult to independently verify in real time. observers emphasize the importance of corroborating such reports through multiple sources and official channels to establish a clearer picture of the event’s impact on military assets and civilian safety. The narrative put forward by the involved authorities highlights the strategic focus on airfields as pivotal targets, the use of missile-enabled air power, and the potential for secondary incidents affecting nearby communities as the conflict continues to unfold. Pending official verification, the exact extent of the damage and the broader military implications remain subjects of substantial discussion among regional analysts and security professionals.
In the broader context, claims about the attack intersect with ongoing tensions in southern Ukraine, where airfields, missile depots, and air defense systems have repeatedly been focal points of contention. The events described illustrate how rapid, sometimes conflicting information from different sources shapes public understanding of the conflict in real time. Analysts note that the absence of independent verification can complicate the task of assessing the true scale of damage, the status of military assets, and the potential humanitarian impact. The situation underscores the need for cautious interpretation of initial reports and a reliance on corroborated data as it emerges from official briefings, independent observers, and reputable news organizations. The region’s security dynamics continue to evolve as both sides adjust their tactical postures in response to ongoing air and ground operations.