According to Ukrainian military intelligence, Ukraine’s forces have allegedly struck an advanced Su-57 warplane stationed at an airbase in Russia, nearly 600km away from the active frontlines.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (GUR) shared satellite images purportedly revealing damage inflicted on the aircraft amidst scorch marks and craters. GUR stated, “The pictures show that on June 7th, the Su-57 was standing intact, and on the eighth, there were ruptures from the explosion and characteristic spots of fire caused by fire damage near it.”
The targeted strike reportedly occurred on Saturday at the Akhtubinsk base in southern Russia, where the Su-57, known for its capacity to carry stealth missiles, was stationed as one of the few aircraft of its kind in active service.
Notably, Russian Su-57 aircraft have been notably absent from Ukrainian airspace, instead engaging in long-range missile attacks from positions across the border.
Commenting on the incident, the UK Ministry of Defence suggested that Russia may seek to avoid the negative consequences such as “reputational damage, reduced export prospects, and the compromise of sensitive technology” resulting from the loss of any Su-57 jets within enemy territory.
Conversely, the Russian defense ministry claimed to have downed three Ukrainian drones in the Astrakhan region, where the Akhtubinsk airstrip is located, a claim consistent with their routine assertion of neutralizing all perceived threats.
Reports on Sunday indicated Russian forces making advancements in their assault on the strategically significant Ukrainian town of Chasiv Yar, located approximately 20km west of Bakhmut, which fell under Russian control a year prior.
Chasiv Yar is considered a potential staging ground for Russia’s further advances toward Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.
Sources quoted by Ukrainian media outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported Russian forces occupying a district of Chasiv Yar adjacent to a canal.
These forces were said to be utilizing guided aerial bombs to clear areas along a major road while progressively reinforcing their positions.
In his nightly address on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy did not reference the developments in Chasiv Yar but highlighted Pokrovsk, to the southwest, as the region facing the most significant pressure from occupying forces.
Meanwhile, Ukrenergo, Ukraine’s electricity grid operator, announced hour-long power cuts scheduled for Monday from 4 pm to 10 pm.
Exemptions were granted for critical infrastructure facilities providing essential services.
Additionally, the Ukrainian government mandated the cessation of air conditioning usage and external lighting across all ministries and regional authorities starting last Friday.
