‘Static’ ground combat causing both sides to mount long-range strikes behind lines, UK intelligence says
Both sides in Russia’s war on Ukraine are striking more intensively at their opponents’ deep rear, as ground combat is "relatively static,", the latest intelligence report of the UK Ministry of Defense’s Defense Intelligence agency said in its Ukraine situation report on Sept. 22.
Over the past four days, both Russia and Ukraine have reportedly been subjected to intense attacks in the rear. Over the past week, Russia has repeatedly launched long-range strikes against targets in Ukraine.
UK intelligence suggests that this "unusual intensity" may be partly a response to a series of Ukrainian attacks in Russia and Crimea.
The intelligence community also believes that strikes on the Chkalovsky air base in Moscow Oblast will pose the biggest strategic challenge for the Russian leadership, as it is the most sensitive location.
The airbase is so important because it houses special military aircraft and VIP transport for the Russian government.
The report notes that the reported damage to IL-20 aircraft is "particularly relevant," as such aircraft perform electronic intelligence collection tasks.
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence agency (HUR) reported on Sept. 20 that unknown saboteurs blew up two planes and a helicopter at the Chkalovsky airfield, where Russian government aircraft are based.
HUR noted that "the incident caused considerable hysteria in the highest military corridors" as government aircraft, the so-called "doomsday planes" and special aircraft (reconnaissance aircraft) are based at the airfield.
According to Ukraine’s military intelligence, AN-148 and IL-20 aircraft, and a MI-28N helicopter were blown up.
Russia launched a massive cruise missile attack on Ukraine on Sept 21.
The barrage of missiles wounded 20 people and damaged about 40 buildings.
Air defense forces shot down 36 Russian missiles of the 43 missiles Russia fired at the territory of Ukraine. An air raid alert was declared in all regions. The launches were carried out in several waves, with missiles coming from different directions and constantly maneuvering.
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