Russia downplays damage from Ukraine drone strike
Russia has played down the impact of recent drone strikes launched by Ukraine against its military airfields, particularly the Engels airbase in the Saratov region, where long-range strategic bombers are stationed.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that the country’s nuclear deterrent capabilities remain unaffected, directly refuting Kyiv’s claims that the attack caused serious damage. According to Ryabkov, the Ukrainian statements are "deliberate exaggerations."
The incident occurred shortly before a new round of Russia-Ukraine consultations in Istanbul and involved several drones, targeting facilities located hundreds of kilometres from the front line. Reports from various Russian media outlets indicated that some aircraft at Engels caught fire. However, Moscow has not provided official confirmation regarding the number or type of aircraft damaged.
Ryabkov emphasized that, even if aircraft were hit, they do not fall under the category of strategic nuclear forces as defined by the New START treaty.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
