Explosions reported near strategic airbase in Russia’s Millerovo next to Luhansk Oblast (video)

Dec 24, 2024 - 09:00

explosions reported near strategic airbase russia's millerovo next luhansk oblast fire area military rostov russia evening 23 2024 d23a2f15-cfba-44da-a457-cab680220033 ukraine news ukrainian reports

Multiple drone attacks were reported late on 23 December targeting Millerovo in Russia’s Rostov Oblast, where a strategic military airfield is located, according to local officials and residents.

Millerovo Airbase in Russia’s Rostov Oblast is situated just a few kilometers west of the occupied Ukrainian border, approximately 80 km from occupied Luhansk and 170 km from the frontline. The previous Ukrainian drone assault targeted Millerovo base on 20 July 2024. The attack destroyed a fuel depot and an aviation hangar at the military airfield, which hosts Russian fighter aircraft. The base hosted Russia’s 31st Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, comprising two squadrons of Sukhoi Su-30SM Flanker jets. The 368th Assault Aviation Regiment, equipped with Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot aircraft, was also deployed to Millerovo during the 2022 Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Acting Governor of Rostov Oblast Yuri Slyusar claimed that air defense systems began engaging aerial targets around 21:00 local time (20:00 Kyiv time or 18:00 UTC).

“Eight UAVs have already been shot down in the Millerovo area,” Slyusar stated around 20:30.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have destroyed nine unmanned aerial vehicles over Rostov Oblast between 19:40 and 20:20 Kyiv time, and two more drones over the Sea of Azov around 21:00 Kyiv time.

Local Telegram channels shared videos showing explosions and flashes in the sky, as well as fire on the ground. The extent of any potential damage currently remains unclear.