Ukraine claims it destroyed 6 Russian fighter jets

Ukraine said it destroyed at least six Russian fighter jets and damaged eight more in what could be one of the biggest drone attacks of the war, according to reports by multiple outlets.

The assault took place at the Morozovsk military airbase in Rostov in the early hours of Friday morning, according to unnamed Ukrainian officials speaking to news agencies including Reuters and AP.

Russia acknowledged a massive attack by drones, saying there were 44. However, it said it shot them all down and that only a power substation was damaged.

Its defense ministry said the regions of Saratov, Kursk, Belgorod, and Krasnodar had also been targeted, according to the BBC.

A video of what appears to be part of the attack was shared on Telegram by former Ukrainian political advisor Anton Gerashchenko.

The reports didn't say which type of aircraft were destroyed.

However, a source told The Kyiv Independent that Su-34 fighter-bombers and Su-27 fighters had been held at the base.

An anonymous source told Radio Liberty that Su-24 bombers were also stationed there.

In addition to the six aircraft that were destroyed, sources told the outlets that eight more were damaged. An estimated 20 Russian soldiers were killed or injured, according to the Kyiv Independent.

"This is an important special operation that will significantly reduce the combat potential of the (Russian forces)," a source told the Kyiv Independent.