Fact check: Https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/12/16/frontline-report-ukraine-strikes-russian-air-base-with-atacms-missiles-crippling-aircraft-repair-capabilities/

1. Summary of the results

1. Summary of the results:

The analyses confirm that Ukraine conducted ATACMS strikes on Russian military facilities in December 2024, specifically targeting the Taganrog region and Kursk Oblast. While strikes definitely occurred and caused some damage, the exact extent of the damage remains unclear, with contradictory claims from different sources.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints:

• The original statement omits that Russia reported intercepting multiple missiles (3 out of 5 at Lotarevka, 7 out of 8 at Khalino)
• The strikes occurred amid a larger escalation, including a massive Russian drone attack involving 188 drones against Ukraine
• The term "crippling" appears exaggerated, as Russian sources claim "insignificant damage" and Ukrainian sources can't definitively confirm the extent of destruction
• The strikes were explicitly authorized by Western allies (US, UK, and France) for targets within Russian territory, representing a significant policy shift
• The targeted facilities include specific strategic assets:

Taganrog-Yuzhny: Beriev Aircraft Company (A-50 maintenance)

Taganrog-Central: 325th Aircraft Repair Plant (Su-25, Ka-52, Mi-8 maintenance)

• Khalino air base: Closest major airfield to the Kursk battlefield

3. Potential misinformation/bias:

• The term "crippling" in relation to aircraft repair capabilities appears to be an overstatement based on available evidence
• The article presents a primarily Ukrainian perspective without adequately addressing Russian military's claims about successful missile interceptions
• The statement doesn't acknowledge that some aircraft might have been evacuated before the strikes, as suggested by decreased activity at the bases
• Both sides have financial and morale-related incentives to either exaggerate (Ukrainian military) or minimize (Russian military) the impact of these strikes