Military experts have compiled a map of airfields that can be used and are being used to launch air strikes on Ukraine. They are located in Belarus, western Russia and the Crimea. On the Crimean peninsula, the Russians base combat aircraft participating in hostilities in Ukraine, at the Belbek military airfield and the city of Saki.
Belbetsky airfield underwent reconstruction shortly before the attack, so it can accommodate strategic airborne aircraft for raids TU-22M3, TU-160, TU-95MS. Such planes were used to bomb Lviv.
The bombing of Mariupol
To strike at Mariupol, the Russians use airfields in the Krasnodar Territory, namely in Yeisk and Primorsko-Okhtyrsk. To Mariupol from Primorsko-Okhtyrka airfield about 125-130 km, at the beginning of the invasion there were SU-25 fighters. In March, the SU-34 appeared, giving the pictures a blue tint.
From Yeisk to Mariupol is about 60 km, there are 20 MiG-29K fighters, as well as TU-142 and fighters, some of which are SU-33.
Bombing of Sumy, Chernihiv and Kyiv regions
For raids on Kyiv, Sumy and Chernihiv, the Russians use the military transport airfield in Sischa, Bryansk region.
Airfields of Belarus involved in hostilities in Ukraine
In Belarus, airfields are used in the cities of Lida, Mozyr, Gomel, Bobruisk, Baranovichi, Brest and others. The largest number of aircraft is observed in Lida - up to 30 military planes and about 20 helicopters.
Spare airfields in Russia, which are used if necessary
Kachi, Gvardiisky and Dzhankoi airfields can be introduced as spare parts. Also, about 40 bombers are stationed in the Rostov region, where the 559th Bomber Regiment is based.
The expert notes that Russia may introduce a number of airfields for bombing Ukraine, at the expense of civilian and transport. In addition, Russian helicopters can be based in the field.
The fighting spirit of Russian pilots does not correspond to the scale of the task. Many of them wrote reports of refusal to participate in hostilities. The most experienced Russian pilots have only 80 flight hours, which according to NATO standards should be at least 300. Attracting less experienced pilots will reduce the combat capability and maneuverability of Russian aircraft.
On the air losses of the Russian Air Force
In less than a month of hostilities, the Armed Forces destroyed 98 planes, 124 combat helicopters and 27 UAVs. According to experts, about 300 fighter jets have been prepared for the invasion of Ukraine.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine recorded a decrease in the use of manned aircraft due to heavy losses and active operation of the Ukrainian air defense system.
English (UK) 
Українська 
Русский