A significant Ukrainian assault struck a prominent Russian aircraft manufacturing facility overnight, resulting in one of Vladimir Putin’s laser-equipped aircraft catching fire. The attack was so intense that the facility began to emit a glow reminiscent of a nuclear explosion. Initial reports indicate that a bulb-nosed A-60 aircraft was set ablaze during the assault on Taganrog amid heightened tensions between the two sides as crucial US-led peace talks were ongoing in Abu Dhabi.
NATO responded by deploying four warplanes as Russian drones targeted Ukraine’s Odesa region, flying over Romanian airspace. Russia launched new attacks on civilians in Kyiv, resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals, including an 86-year-old woman. The city witnessed residents calling for help following a Shahed drone strike that ignited a tower block, causing destruction to two power plants providing hot water heating to homes. Additionally, distressing footage showed a misfired Russian air defense missile hitting a residential building in Novorossiysk, leading to casualties amidst a wave of Ukrainian strikes.
The destructive exchanges between the two sides occurred as peace negotiations progressed, with US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll meeting with key Ukrainian military intelligence officials and a Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi to address military aspects of the peace agreement. The Ukrainian strike on the Taganrog-Yuzhny airfield targeted the Beriev aircraft manufacturing plant, reportedly damaging an A-60 aircraft capable of carrying laser weapons. Unconfirmed reports suggested that a hangar housing a Tu-95MS strategic bomber undergoing modernization worth £36 million was also hit.
The night attack resulted in three fatalities and 11 injuries in Taganrog, where Ukrainian strike drones targeted residential buildings. Governor Veniamin Kondratyev described it as one of the most prolonged and extensive attacks during the ongoing conflict. In Novorossiysk, shocking footage depicted a glowing object crashing into a building, believed to be a misfired Russian missile. Separate videos indicated a drone striking a residential tower, likely due to electronic warfare interference, resulting in four injuries. Attacks were also documented in Gelendzhik and Tuapse.
In Kyiv, Russia targeted two hot water power plants and a hydroelectric station, causing power outages, water shortages, and transportation disruptions in the city. The assault seemed aimed at pressuring Ukraine into accepting an unfavorable peace deal. Putin’s foreign affairs aide criticized proposed changes to the US draft peace plan, labeling them as unconstructive. Further attacks were reported in the Odesa region, including a security breach involving a Russian drone flying over NATO state Romania and crossing into Moldova.
The Romanian air force confirmed the scrambling of NATO fighters in response to the security breach. The statement detailed the detection and monitoring of the intruding target, emphasizing the country’s readiness to defend its airspace. Amid escalating tensions, the Ministry of National Defence warned of its authority to shoot down Russian drones within its airspace.