Ukraine Reports Damage to 4 Enemy Aircraft at Chelyabinsk Airbase 1,700km Inside Russia

(CHELYABINSK, CHELYABINSK OBLAST) – Ukrainian forces have reported a long range strike against the Shagol military airbase in Russia’s Chelyabinsk region, around 1,700 kilometres from Ukraine’s state border, with claimed damage to at least four combat aircraft.

The operation was announced on 1 May by the commander known as Magyar, whose unit said the strike was carried out by the 1st Separate Centre of the Unmanned Systems Forces on 25 April as what it described as a “courtesy visit” to the Russian military airfield.

According to the statement, follow up satellite reconnaissance by Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed at least three successful deep strike impacts, causing varying levels of damage to four aircraft stationed at the base.

The reported damaged aircraft included two Su 57 fighter jets, one Su 34 fighter bomber and one additional Sukhoi aircraft whose exact modification was not specified.

The strike, if independently confirmed, would represent a significant setback for Russian air power. Military analysts have repeatedly noted the importance of degrading Russia’s tactical aviation fleet, particularly aircraft used to launch guided bombs and missile strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian areas.

The Su 34 serves as one of Russia’s principal strike platforms and is capable of carrying a wide range of guided munitions with operational strike ranges of up to 1,000 kilometres. The loss or disabling of such aircraft reduces Moscow’s capacity to conduct sustained aerial bombardment and may ease pressure on Ukrainian air defence systems.

The Su 57, presented by Moscow as its most advanced stealth capable fighter, is regarded as one of the Russian military’s most strategically valuable aviation assets due to its reduced radar visibility and advanced weapons systems.

Estimated unit costs place the Su 34 at between $35 million and $50 million, while the Su 57 is valued at between $100 million and $120 million per aircraft.

No immediate comment was issued by Russian authorities, whose battlefield reporting has frequently been limited or delayed following strikes on military infrastructure.

The operation forms part of Ukraine’s broader effort to extend precision strike capability deep into Russian territory and disrupt the logistical and operational systems supporting Moscow’s war effort.

Footage and operational details were released by Magyar of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces. The reported strike took place at Shagol military airbase in Chelyabinsk, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia.