Ukraine Lights up Russian Airbase in Kursk

Commander Syrski refuses to adopt a defensive stance.

When President Biden decided to lift long-range restrictions on Western missiles supplied to Ukraine, one of the initial actions likely taken by the Russian armed forces was to relocate their Su-25 fighter jets from Khalino Airbase, situated approximately 7–10 kilometers east of the city of Kursk in Russia.

This airfield was the closest to the frontline in Kursk Oblast and a high-priority asset for President Putin as he sought to evict Ukrainian forces from Russian territory, aiming to secure a stronger position at the negotiation table. Khalino Airbase housed helicopters, fighter jets, and extensive air defense assets, making it a critical military hub for Russian operations in the Kursk region.

Last night, Ukraine launched 12 ATACMS, the U.S.-supplied ground-launched long-range missiles, targeting the base. Although the Russians had relocated their fighter jets, they chose to leave their S-400 air-defense systems and radars at the airbase.

It was a costly mistake.