A series of explosions rocked a Russian airbase in occupied Crimea. And it looks like it was an unprecedented Ukrainian attack. If Ukrainian responsibility is confirmed, then this can be considered a serious escalation in a war that has been going on for more than five months..

The Telegraph writes about this, adding that eyewitnesses report at least 12 explosions.. The last one happened 30 minutes after the first and was the loudest. As with most major attacks against Russian forces, the Ukrainian authorities did not immediately rush to comment on the situation.. However, the publication writes that the media have suggested that the attack on the base in Crimea could allegedly indicate that Kyiv received ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers from the United States.. However, an anonymous Ukrainian military officer, in a commentary for the New York Times, denied these rumors, saying that the strike was carried out with the help of “Ukrainian-made weapons.”. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation said that the explosions occurred due to the detonation of ammunition at an air base near Novofedorovka.

Meanwhile, Phillip O'Brien, professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews, said the Ukrainians' actions were "

“By demonstrating that they are capable of striking Crimea, they will further stretch Russian defense capabilities.. Russia will have to defend a much larger territory behind the front line,” the expert explained..

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In turn, Lawrence Friedman, professor of military studies at King's College London, added: "

Just a few weeks ago, Deputy Chairman of the National Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev promised that if Ukraine attacks Crimea, there will come a “judgment day”. And now, when Kyiv seems to have done just that, the world froze, waiting for the Kremlin's response.. If it is confirmed that a Ukrainian attack took place in Crimea, the Kremlin may regard this as a blow to Russian territory. So far, there have been a small number of Ukrainian strikes against Russian ammunition and fuel depots near the border.. But yesterday's explosions took place in front of the Russians who came to Crimea to rest. Western security experts believe that the new long-range capabilities of Ukraine create very big problems for Russian commanders in matters of logistics and security.. They will now have to defend the bases in the depths of their territory.

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It is not yet clear what Moscow can do to escalate the war. The Russian command has so many problems. Since the beginning of July, the United States and Great Britain have transferred HIMARS and M270 installations to the Ukrainian army.. With these weapons, Ukraine's defenders have begun massively destroying Russian supply lines, creating problems that could change the course of the war..

British analyst James Rushton believes strike on airbase in Crimea is 'tipping point'.

“A large area that the Russians until now considered protected even from HIMARS and M270 is now not so,” he explained..