Exclusive satellite footage reveals wreckage of Russian aircraft and structures at Crimean airfield
Exclusive satellite footage acquired by CNN unveils the wreckage of three Russian aircraft and damaged structures at the Belbek airfield in the occupied Sevastopol port city.
Satellite images obtained by CNN reveal three destroyed Russian jets and damaged buildings at Belbek airbase in Sevastopol on Wednesday. These losses occurred following two days of attacks by Ukrainians on Sevastopol in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.
Two jets can be seen burned out on the main flight line at Belbek in images taken by US satellite imaging company BlackSky and space technology firm Maxar. Additionally, a third jet is parked on a protective embankment. The satellite images also reveal a destroyed building nearby and another structure that has suffered significant damage.
Mikhail Razvozhaev, the Russian-appointed governor of Sevastopol, announced on Telegram Friday that the Russians successfully defended against a large enemy attack on Sevastopol. He stated that "dozens" of unmanned aerial vehicles and "more than five sea drones were destroyed." Due to drone debris falling on a power substation, the city experienced a partial power outage as a result.
Belbek was targeted by the Ukrainians for the second time in the past 48 hours.
When asked about a potential Ukrainian attack on Belbek, Dmytro Pletenchuk, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian army’s South, stated on Thursday that they are unable to provide any details as there is no verified information available at the moment. CNN has contacted the Ukrainian military for an update.
Satellite images exclusive to CNN show destroyed jets and building at Belbek Airbase in Crimea on May 15, 2024.
Satellite images exclusive to CNN show destroyed jets and building at Belbek Airbase in Crimea on May 15, 2024.
Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies
Satellite images exclusive to CNN show destroyed jets and building at Belbek Airbase in Crimea on May 15, 2024.
Satellite images exclusive to CNN show destroyed jets and building at Belbek Airbase in Crimea on May 15, 2024.
Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies
An insurgent Ukrainian group called Atesh announced on Telegram that an artillery warehouse at Belbek airfield in Crimea was damaged after the second strike. They also reported significant damage to the airfield infrastructure due to a secondary detonation.
None of the satellite images viewed by CNN indicated any damage to a missile or artillery weapons warehouse, nor did they show any evidence of secondary explosions.
Despite Moscow's recent advances in its ground campaign, Kyiv's forces have been achieving consistent victories by targeting Russia's Black Sea Fleet. This has been accomplished through missile strikes or sea drone attacks.
In a significant overnight attack in March, Ukraine claimed to have targeted two Russian naval vessels, a communications center, and other facilities of the Black Sea Fleet. The vessels allegedly hit were identified as the amphibious landing ships Yamal and Azov.
Despite having a limited navy, Ukraine has managed to disable or destroy over 20 Russian naval vessels, which amounts to one-third of the entire fleet. This achievement has been attributed to technological advancements, bold tactics, and reported Russian shortcomings. Satellite imagery from October of the previous year suggested that Russia had moved some naval ships away from Sevastopol following a series of attacks by Ukraine.
Satellite images exclusive to CNN show destroyed jets and building at Belbek Airbase in Crimea on May 15, 2024.
Satellite images exclusive to CNN show destroyed jets and building at Belbek Airbase in Crimea on May 15, 2024.
Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies
Satellite images exclusive to CNN show destroyed jets and building at Belbek Airbase in Crimea on May 15, 2024.
Satellite images exclusive to CNN show destroyed jets and building at Belbek Airbase in Crimea on May 15, 2024.
Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies
Russia is making progress in northeastern Ukraine, with a recent attack at Belbek. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to postpone his participation in international events to focus on defending against the surprise offensive in the Kharkiv region.
The current offensive by Russian forces is the most serious cross-border ground assault since Ukraine regained control of the Kharkiv region in late summer 2022. Ukrainians are facing challenges with limited forces, artillery, and insufficient air defenses while they wait for promised ammunition and weapons from a delayed $2 billion US military financing package.
Since the beginning of Moscow's push, Russian forces have seized control of more than nine villages near the border. One of the most intense battle zones is the town of Vovchansk, located approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) northeast of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city.
Maria, 85, evacuates the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk.
Maria, 85, evacuates the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk.
CNN
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Police quickly responded to help the residents of a Ukrainian border town facing a threat from the advancing Russian forces.
Despite the situation, a senior commander from NATO mentioned on Thursday that they do not believe the Russian troops have enough numbers for a "strategic" breakthrough in Kharkiv.
Gen. Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said in a press conference in Brussels that the Russians can make small advances but lack the expertise and resources to capitalize on any significant breakthrough strategically.
Zelensky, who met with senior military officials in Kharkiv, expressed that the situation for Kyiv's troops on the ground is very challenging and they are focused on strengthening their units.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday. The two leaders pledged to strengthen their strategic partnership, showcasing their growing alignment.
Since Putin's invasion of Ukraine, Russia's economy has become more dependent on China. A joint statement outlined their countries' alignment on various issues, such as energy, trade, security, and geopolitics, with a particular focus on Ukraine.
CNN’s Radina Gigova, Maria Kostenko, Alex Hardie and Simone McCarthy contributed reporting.
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