Ukraine has not directly claimed responsibility for any of the attacks. If it follows them, Monday’s assault would be the deepest inside Russia since Moscow invaded Ukraine on February 24.
The New York Times cited a senior Ukrainian official as saying that the drones involved in Monday’s attacks were launched from Ukrainian territory, and that at least one attack was made with the help of special forces close to the base.
Israeli satellite imaging company Imagesat International shared images that it said showed burn marks and objects near the Tu-22M aircraft at Diaghilev airbase.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said Monday’s attacks were terrorist acts intended to disable long-range aircraft and shoot down low-flying drones. The deaths were reported at the Ryazan base, 185 km (115 mi) southeast of Moscow.