Ukrainian Air Force downplays damage from Russian airstrike on Myrhorod airfield
The strike on Myrhorod airfield did cause some damage, but not nearly to the extent claimed by Russian media, former Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson, Yuriy Ihnat wrote on Facebook on July 1.
He wrote his post to reflect on the accident which caused a surge of indignation in Ukrainian social media.
"The devil is not as scary as he is painted!” Ihnat said.
“Everyone rejoices when the Ukrainian Defense Forces hit the Russian aircraft on their airfields.”
“'Minus one, two, three, or more enemy planes will never bomb Ukrainian cities again,'... but when the enemy strikes back, and let's be honest, they hit our airfields daily trying to destroy Ukrainian aviation, sometimes succeeding ... we're ready to tear everyone apart on social media, criticizing our commanders for 'failing,' 'not watching out,' and so on."
He urged the public to follow the official Telegram channel of the Air Force, emphasizing that airfields are under constant attack.
"Our forces are doing everything possible to protect what we have and strike back!” Ihnat stressed.
“I won't go into detail about the incredible efforts this requires.”
“This is war, and unfortunately, it includes losses in equipment."
"Regarding the enemy's strike on the Myrhorod airfield, they are wildly celebrating across the border, claiming they've destroyed a bunch of Su-27 planes,” he added.
“So be it! That's always the case. It's not as bad as you, Ukrainians, write in your emotional posts."
The Air Force is doing everything possible to counteract the enemy, including using decoys and other measures, Ihnat acknowledged, also noting that Ukrainians' emotional posts on commanders' "failures" only profits the enemy.
"I ask leading media, bloggers, and Telegram channels to calm down and show respect for our defenders," he wrote.
The Air Force did indeed warn about missile flights and strikes near Myrhorod on July 1.
Several Russian Telegram channels spread claims that six Ukrainian jets were destroyed at the airfield that same day.
The military war may be swinging in our favor, but the information war continues.
Just as an army needs soldiers, so does a free society need its journalists to ensure that people have access to honest, trustworthy voices to understand the world around them.
For the past five years, The New Voice of Ukraine has been working tirelessly to push back against Russian narratives and defend democracy. But we cannot do it alone.
Please consider supporting us on Patreon for just $5 a month – your donation does directly to supporting journalists and ensuring that this front of the infowar says solid and defended.
Thank you.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
