Ukrainian officials signal responsibility for Russian air base explosion

Satellite images of Crimea gave a new look inside the raging war between Russia and Ukraine. Evidence of explosions and fighter jet debris is depicted in the images released Thursday. The site is a Russian air base. Videos from Ukrainian news outlets on Twitter show the explosions in action. While most footage from the war is of destruction in Ukraine, these explosions are in Crimea, a territory Russia has claimed as its own.

Crimea’s history is complicated. The peninsula belonged to Ukraine before it was annexed by Russia in 2014. Ukraine, and the world, do not recognize the annexation. They believe Russia has been illegally occupying Ukraine’s Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the countries have fought over control of the region.

The explosions at one of Russia’s air bases reportedly destroyed at least seven fighter jets. But reports have conflicted, as Ukraine reported nine jets were destroyed. How the blast occurred has also been disputed. Ukraine first denied responsibility. Russia said it was an accident involving ammunition. Now, some reports indicate Ukraine is taking credit. Though Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility, two senior Ukrainian officials told POLITICO they signaled the start of Ukraine’s counteroffensive in the south.

“The more losses the occupiers suffer, the sooner we will be able to liberate our land and guarantee Ukraine’s security,” Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said late Wednesday. “This Russian war against Ukraine and against all of free Europe began with Crimea and must end with Crimea — with its liberation.…I know that we will return to the Ukrainian Crimea.”

If Ukraine is responsible, it means the country has new long-range missile strike capabilities. Ukraine has wanted to move on the offense after 170 days on defense. This recent strike could represent a sign the war with worldwide consequences is shifting.