By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On December 21st, Ukrainian partisans targeted an airfield in Russia’s Lipetsk Oblast, approximately 340 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, resulting in the destruction of two Su-30 fighter jets. The operation, which took two weeks to plan, involved a “representative of the resistance movement” successfully infiltrating the military facility, bypassing patrols and guard schedules, and setting the aircraft ablaze. This successful attack is estimated to have caused up to $100 million in damage and further weakens Russian air power, adding to the reported 432 aircraft destroyed since the full-scale invasion.
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Ukrainian partisans set ablaze 2 Russian Su-30 fighter jets in Lipetsk Oblast, HUR says, a headline that immediately sparks thoughts of resilience, defiance, and the enduring spirit of a nation under siege. This act of sabotage, reportedly orchestrated by Ukrainian partisans, sends a clear message: the fight continues, even deep within enemy territory. The implications are far-reaching, hinting at an underground network operating with surprising effectiveness, capable of striking at the heart of Russia’s military infrastructure. It’s a bold move, and it’s something that is certainly making waves.
What immediately comes to mind is the sheer audacity of the operation. To infiltrate a Russian airbase, identify the targets, and successfully carry out such a strike requires meticulous planning, courage, and a network of support that remains a mystery, at least for now. It challenges the narrative of Russian military superiority and reveals vulnerabilities that are likely causing considerable concern within the Kremlin. How does one protect against such acts of guerilla warfare when the enemy could be anyone and anywhere?
The focus shifts to the potential impact on Russia’s military capabilities. The Su-30 is a formidable fighter jet, and losing two of them, even if they are repairable, represents a significant blow. Sanctions are already hobbling Russia’s ability to maintain its military equipment, and this further complicates the situation. The question becomes, how will they replace these losses? Will it divert resources and create logistical nightmares? The answer to that question could significantly impact the ongoing conflict.
The very nature of partisan warfare presents a complex challenge. What happens after a war ends, assuming there is a Russian victory of some kind, remains a critical concern. If Russia were to annex all of Ukraine, how does it deal with the partisans? It’s a population with strong motivations for revenge and a deep connection to its national identity, a strong base of supporters, and a deep hatred for the occupiers. A prolonged and nasty war leaves behind a potentially huge integrated population that could wreak havoc on any occupying force.
The response to this kind of resistance will likely be harsh. We’re talking about assimilation or extermination, and it seems this is how Putin views the situation. The goal, as it seems, is the erasure of the Ukrainian identity, a form of cultural genocide. It’s a sobering thought, but one that is essential to understanding the dynamics at play. They are trying to forcefully relocate much of the population into Russia, replacing them with Russians, eliminating cultural memories and identity. Children have been abducted and sold, or sent to military re-education camps. This is a genocidal war.
The news of these targeted attacks raises questions about the long-term viability of Russia’s war aims. Even if they were to somehow take all of Ukraine, the country would be ravaged, and a pariah on the global stage. There are no clear paths for Russia’s victory, just the continuation of an unending war. The economic cost is already immense, with Russia’s economy already in the sewers.
The use of partisans also highlights the failures of the initial Russian plan. They were told that the military was well-trained and that Ukraine would welcome the invasion. Those claims have been thoroughly debunked. Putin doesn’t want to appear weak, and he can’t pull out. This is a game he must play, despite his hand, for now, not being strong.
The reality of the situation is further highlighted by the methods used to control the occupied territories. Those who resist the occupation, those who refuse to conform, face the threat of torture, imprisonment, or worse. The Ukrainians are choosing their own path, and that path is resistance. It is their national duty.
The impact of these events extends beyond the immediate military losses. It chips away at the morale of Russian forces and fuels the determination of the Ukrainian people. They are fighting for their freedom, and their actions speak louder than any words. It’s a story of resilience, defiance, and the enduring spirit of a nation refusing to be extinguished.