Bomber-pilots are again committing war crimes from Olenya air base
One month after "Spiderweb" drone raid took out four Tu-95MS bombers, the air base in the Murmansk region again takes active part in war crimes by launching cruise missiles on civilians in Ukraine.
At least three Tu-95MS strategic bombers from Olenya air base on the Kola Peninsula were airborne, launching Kh-101 cruise missiles on the night to June 29, the Ukrainian air force informed on Telegram.
The planes flew from the Kola Peninsula south to positions over the Caspian Sea, in far distance from Ukraine, when the crew launched the payloads of missiles. The weapons entered Ukrainian air space around 5 am in the morning and included strikes in the western part of Ukraine.
In total, more than 500 aerial weapons were fired at Ukraine on the night to Sunday, in the biggest air attack of the three-year of full-scale war. According to Ukrainian air force there were 477 drones and decoys as well as 60 cruise missiles.
War crimes
Each Tu-95MS bomber is capable of carrying eight missiles under the wings.
Intentionally targeting civilians, in apartment blocks, hospitals and civilian infrastructure is violation of the laws of war.
In May this year, several countries announced support for a special tribunal to prosecute Russians responsible for the attack on Ukraine.
The tribunal, which will be established through an agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, is supported by Norway.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said it “is an important milestone in the work to hold Russia accountable for its war of aggression against Ukraine.” He added: "Russia’s war has led to enormous destruction, millions displaced, and thousands killed and injured, including many civilians. Accountability is crucial to deter future crimes and can help bring justice to the victims of Russia’s illegal aggression.”
Intensified dramatically
“Moscow will not stop as long as it has the capability to launch massive strikes,” President Volodomyr Zelenskyy wrote on social media.
Over the last week, Russia has sent 114 missiles, some 1270 drones and about 1100 glide bombs towards targets in Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin said in a speech at the St. Petersburg Economical Forum on June 20 "all of Ukraine" belongs to Russia. Kremlin's dictator has a delusional idea that Russians and Ukrainians are "one people."
"Wherever the foot of a Russian soldier steps is Russian land," Putin said.
Russias bombardements on Ukraine have intensified dramatically this spring. Monday morning continued with multiple air alarms and drone warnings, mainly in Kharkiv and Donetsk regions.
74 Shahed drones were shut down, the air force said on Telegram.
"Spiderweb"
Olenya was one of five Russian air bases attacked by Ukrainian drones on June 1.
A swarm of drones was brought north in a truck without the drivers notice. From a parking spot near the military air field, the drones took, flew low over the trees, and targeted five military aircraft parked on the apron near the southern end of the runway.
Four of the planes were Tu-95MS bombers. They were all totally destroyed.
