Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force Explained, Whose Belbek Airfield in Crimea
On January 31, at around 15:50, powerful explosions were heard in the vicinity of the cities of Sevastopol and Saky. Witnesses also reported explosions in Hvardiiske and instances of gunfire in Feodosia.
According to Crimean Wind, smoke was seen in the sky over the settlement of Hvardiiske in the Simferopol district.
Read more: russian Occupiers Repair Attacked by Ukrainian Forces Ships in Crimea
At around 17:00, terrorists launched aviation into the sky to “protect it from strikes on the airfields.”
Following the announcement of an air alert, a powerful explosion occurred at the Belbek military airfield in the temporarily occupied Crimea. Subsequently, fire trucks and ambulances were reported heading toward the military airfield, as per eyewitness accounts.
The Belbek military airfield serves as a base for the russian Aerospace Forces, housing the 38th Fighter Aviation Regiment of the 27th Mixed Aviation Division. This aviation regiment operates a fleet comprising Su-27 fighter aircraft along with the latest Su-30SM multirole fighters.
Interestingly, in the senior Ukrainian command, there were hints about the involvement of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in strikes on the occupied Crimea.
“Are you aware of the existence of the 204th Sevastopol Tactical Aviation Brigade within the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Air Force?” the Commander of the Air Force of Ukraine, Mykola Oleshchuk wrote in a post on his Telegram channel.
“So, its designated home base is the Belbek airfield! Ukrainian aviators will surely return home to their native airfield. And for now, thanks to everyone who contributed to clearing Crimea of russian presence!” he stated.
Read more: Is There a Possibility for Ukraine to Obtain Missiles With a Range of 2,000-3,000 km to Strike russia?