Russia Ukraine War: Russian Air Force base in Crimea explodes, fighter planes destroyed

A massive explosion took place on Tuesday at a Russian Air Force base in Crimea.  Flames were seen from afar and clouds of black smoke covered the sky above the air base.  One person is reported to have been killed and several injured in the incident.  According to Internet media, the explosion was caused by a missile attack by the Ukrainian army.  The Ukrainian military has not claimed responsibility for the attack but has claimed that nine Russian Air Force fighter jets were destroyed in the incident.  The Russian Defense Ministry has denied any attack on the air base Saki in the Black Sea.  It is said that the accident happened due to fire in the ordnance store located there.  Flames were seen rising from the airstrip and nearby buildings and explosions were heard, according to Crimea Today News.

Ukraine had right over Crimea

 According to Russia's state news agency Tass, the accident occurred due to negligence in fire prevention measures.  Responsibility will be fixed in the investigation.  The island of Crimea, located in the middle of the sea, was under the control of Ukraine, but in 2014 Russia sent troops to capture it.  Russia later annexed Crimea on the basis of the majority of Russian speakers.  This move of Russia was strongly opposed by America and Europe and many types of sanctions were imposed on Russia.

Several people injured in the blast

Crimean local leader Sergei Aksyonov said one person was killed in the blast.  Crimean health officials said nine people were injured, one of whom was hospitalized.  Others were injured by glass fragments, after which the injured were treated and released from the hospital.

 Moscow has warned Ukraine that any attack on Crimea will retaliate.  It will also include decision-making centers in Kyiv.