Ukrainian attacks with ATACMS missiles on the Luhansk and Berdyansk airfields during the night from October 16 to 17 will force Russia to move its operational bases further away from the front line.
This is reported by the UK Ministry of Defence.
In the intelligence report, they reminded that Ukrainian forces hit several Russian helicopters and air defense assets at the Luhansk and Berdyansk airfields.
"Although the extent of damage is currently unconfirmed, it is likely nine Russian military helicopters at Berdyansk and five at Luhansk were destroyed, with Ukraine claiming to have used the US-provided long-range army tactical missiles (ATACMS) for the first time," the statement reads.
It is noted that the airfield in Berdiansk was used by the Russians as their primary forward operational base on the southern axis, providing logistics and combat support.
The Ministry believes that if the losses of the occupiers are confirmed, it could affect Russia's ability to both defend and continue its offensive activities in this direction. This could also put additional pressure on Russian pilots and the aviation base, which is already likely suffering from combat fatigue and maintenance issues.
"There is a realistic possibility this strike will compel Russia to once again relocate its operating bases and command and control nodes farther from the front lines, increasing the burden on logistics chains," the intelligence report states.
