Vasiliy Golubev, the governor of the Rostov region in Russia, reported that the Russian air defence forces allegedly destroyed over 40 aerial targets in the Morozovskiy district. He claimed that a massive drone attack resulted in significant damage to a power station, prompting ongoing efforts to restore the power supply. Golubev’s announcement of the attack came at 01:31 Moscow time, with eyewitnesses recounting loud explosions echoing over the city of Morozovsk. Notably, situated just three kilometres southwest of Morozovsk lies an active military airfield, serving as the base for a considerable number of Russian Su-34 aircraft. However, local Russian authorities have not officially confirmed that the airfield was struck as a result of a drone attack. Previously, the Rostov region was attacked on March 25. Russian officials indicated that air defence systems allegedly intercepted 11 drones in the area during this attack. The incident also caused a fire at the Novocherkasskaya Thermal Plant, shutting down two power units.
Morozovsk, a military airfield situated southwest of the town of Morozovsk in the Rostov region, hosts the 559th Guards Bomber Aviation Regiment of the 1st Guards Mixed Aviation Division of the Russian Aerospace Forces (Military Unit 75392 of Russia’s Ministry of Defence).
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, citing sources familiar with the situation, reported that the airfield in Morozovsk was home to Russian frontline bombers Su-24, Su-24M, and Su-34. These aircraft have been used by Russia to deliver guided aviation bombs targeting the positions of Ukraine’s Armed Forces and numerous frontline Ukrainian cities. “The source informed journalists that at least six Russian military aircraft have been destroyed, while another eight suffered significant damage. Furthermore, approximately 20 Russian military personnel are reported to have been classified as ‘cargo 200’ [military code for ‘dead’ – ed.] or ‘cargo 300’ [‘injured – ed.’],” the report stated. According to the source’s evaluation, the special operation “will significantly diminish the combat potential” of the Russian army.
Thу Morozovsk military airfield had previously been targeted by drones on December 17, 2023, resulting in damage to at least one aircraft.
