Boosted Ukrainian morale is main benefit from successful attack on Russian air bases - Sarts

RIGA - The boosted morale of Ukrainians and allies is the main benefit from last weekend's successful attacks on Russian air bases where strikes targeted a third of Russia's strategic aviation forces, Janis Sarts, director of the Riga-based NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence (Stratcom CoE), said Monday in an interview on Latvian Radio.

The head of Stratcom CoE indicated that Ukraine has shown repeatedly in this war that when things look very bleak, it can suddenly do something that puts Ukrainian capabilities in perspective. "I think this is kind of a Ukrainian signature," commented Sarts, also recalling last year's Ukrainian operation in Kursk, which for many was a completely unexpected turn of events.

Sarts believes that the military effect from the attack on Russian air bases is very good - the aggressor country's strategic aviation capabilities have been significantly weakened. This, of course, does not mean a turning point in the war, but it will be to Ukraine's benefit, Sarts said.

However, the biggest effect of the attack is on the morale of Ukraine itself and, to some extent, its supporters. There is a lot of talk about Russia's countless attacks on Ukraine, which is very depressing not only for the Ukrainians themselves but also for their supporters, but suddenly Ukraine's success provides encouragement and a revelation that all is not so bad after all, said the Stratcom CoE director, noting that "the war is largely fought in people's minds".

As reported, last Sunday the Ukrainian forces launched drone strikes against several military airfields deep inside Russia, hitting 41 warplanes, including A-50, Tu-95 and Tu-22 M3 military aircraft, the Ukrainian Security Service informed.