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Ukrainian air base under frequent fire as Russia aims at F-16 arrivals

Ukrainian air defenses successfully thwarted a Russian attack on the Starokostiantyniv air base, highlighting ongoing challenges as Kyiv prepares for the arrival of U.S. F-16s. Despite constant threats, the local community remains resilient.

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Aqsa Younas Rana
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Ukrainian air defenses repelled a Russian assault on the Starokostiantyniv air base as the country prepares for the arrival of U.S. F-16s.

Explosions rocked the pre-dawn sky as Ukrainian air defenses successfully repelled a Russian assault on Starokostiantyniv, a small city in western Ukraine. Home to a significant air base, this city has been a frequent target of Russian strikes.

Despite the attack on June 27, the streets of Starokostiantyniv returned to normalcy hours later. However, the incident underscores the challenges Kyiv faces as it attempts to rebuild its depleted air force and prepare for the deployment of U.S.-designed F-16s. These fighter jets, expected to arrive this month, are seen as a critical asset for Ukrainian forces struggling against a persistent Russian onslaught along the front line. F-16s have the potential to disrupt devastating Russian glide bomb attacks.

Why This Matters: The exact location where the F-16s will be based remains undisclosed. However, Moscow claimed that its recent strike on Starokostiantyniv targeted airfields expected to house the new jets. The air base has been under constant threat since Russia's invasion began in February 2022, facing attacks from drones and hypersonic missiles.

Residents of Starokostiantyniv, a historic military outpost with around 30,000 people, have adapted to the ever-present danger. "In short, it's 'fun' to live here," remarked city official and local culture expert Vasyl Muliar, reflecting on the city's resilience.

A Ukrainian air force spokesman acknowledged that the strikes posed "certain difficulties," but emphasized that they would not hinder the delivery or operational deployment of the F-16s.

In a related development on Tuesday, Russia's defense ministry claimed to have destroyed five Ukrainian SU-27 fighter jets at the Myrhorod airfield in the Poltava region. Ukrainian officials refuted the claim, suggesting it was exaggerated.

Military analysts believe the Russian strikes aim to damage air base infrastructure, such as runways and storage facilities, to impede the F-16s' operations. Once the jets arrive, Russia is expected to focus on targeting the Western aircraft themselves.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ukrainian air defenses repel Russian assault on Starokostiantyniv air base.
  • Starokostiantyniv's air base targeted, anticipating arrival of U.S. F-16s.
  • Residents adapt to constant danger in historic military outpost.
  • Russian strikes aim to hinder F-16 operations with infrastructure damage.
  • Ukraine denies Russian claim of destroying five SU-27 jets in Poltava.

 

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