Ukraine Claims Strike on 6 Russian Su-34M Bombers at Voronezh Airfield

Ukraine's Navy reported destroying six Russian Su-34M fighter-bombers in an overnight missile strike on the Borisoglebsk military airfield in Voronezh region, using the Neptune coastal missile system. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, the strike destroyed four aircraft and damaged two others. Ukraine's General Staff confirmed explosions and a large fire on the airfield, with satellite imagery published by Ukrainian monitoring channels purportedly showing damage to an aircraft parking area. The airfield lies approximately 370 kilometers from the front line.

Voronezh Oblast Governor Alexander Gusev reported that air defenses intercepted 33 drones and several aerial targets during the overnight attack. Residents of Borisoglebsk reported explosions and a large fire with smoke visible across multiple parts of the city. Falling debris damaged outbuildings at several private homes and a vehicle in the regional capital. Russian authorities have not acknowledged or confirmed the strike on the airfield.

Zelensky stated that the Su-34M aircraft were equipped with aerial bombs and ready for new strikes on Ukraine. "Russia is dragging out the war, therefore, our long-range operations will continue," he said. The Su-34M is a heavily modernized variant of Russia's baseline Su-34 fighter-bomber, used to launch guided glide bombs at Ukrainian positions and populated areas. Ukraine's Neptune missile system is a ground-launched, domestically produced anti-ship cruise missile with a reported maximum range of several hundred kilometers in its standard version and up to 1,000 kilometers in an upgraded variant unveiled in 2025.