Image Credit: The Moscow Times
An air threat involving a drone has been detected in the Murmansk region, as reported by Andrei Chibis, the head of the region. Chibis confirmed that security measures have been enhanced but refrained from disclosing further specifics. Concurrently, a Federal Air Transport Agency representative noted that temporary flight restrictions were enforced at Murmansk and Khibiny airports from 15:38 Moscow time to ensure aviation safety.
Meanwhile, Violetta Grudina, a former coordinator of Navalny’s headquarters in Murmansk, shared a video on social media showing what eyewitnesses claim to be a Ukrainian drone flying near the closed military village of Vysoky. The Mash Telegram channel alleged that this drone was subsequently shot down by a Russian air defense system.
Russian military experts speculated that the drone, which traveled over 1,800 kilometers from Ukraine to the Murmansk region, may have targeted the Olenya airbase, home to Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 missile carriers. These speculations align with previous reports by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), which stated that the Olenya airbase was attacked at the end of July. GUR representative Andrei Yusov indicated that the drones had struck a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber during the July incident.
The ongoing developments in the Murmansk region raise concerns about the expanding reach of Ukrainian drones and the potential implications for Russian military assets. As more details emerge, the situation remains tense, highlighting the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine.