Satellite Image Shows Russian Air Base In Crimea Severely Damaged, Eight Planes Destroyed: Fire Or Attack?

Russia's Saky air base in Crimea. (Wikimedia Commons/Igor Bubin)

JAKARTA - Satellite images show extensive damage with aircraft destroyed at Russia's Saky Air Base in Crimea, after an explosion that occurred on Tuesday that killed one person.

The airbase's runway appears intact, but at least eight aircraft appear damaged or destroyed, while explosion craters are visible in separate locations. The majority of aircraft damaged or destroyed were in specific areas, where a number of aircraft were parked in open areas.

The before and after images, from US-based Planet Labs, are the first independent confirmation of the damage done. However, there are no details yet on the extent of the impact of the explosion, as well as the cause of the damage.

The Russian Defense Ministry insisted that a "fire of several ammunition depots" had caused the explosion, and initially said no one was hurt. It said there was no attack and no aviation equipment was damaged, citing Reuters.

Russia's Saky air base in Crimea. (Wikimedia Commons/Igor Bubin)

Meanwhile, Ukraine said it was irresponsible, with its defense minister suggesting reckless Russian soldiers were to blame.

"I think the Russian military men at the air base violated a very simple rule, don't smoke in dangerous places," Oleksii Reznikov said.

Ukraine's air force said about a dozen Russian warplanes were destroyed, though Russia denies any planes were damaged.

Separately, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said the fact that there were two separate explosions indicated an attack rather than an accident. Furthermore, he also defended Ukraine's right to invade Crimea.

"It is perfectly legal for Ukraine to use lethal force if necessary, to regain not only its territory but also to push back its invaders," Minister Wallace told the BBC.

It is known that any attack on Crimea by Ukraine will be taken very seriously by Moscow. Russia sounded the warning last month, when former President Dmitry Medvedev threatened "Judgment Day will await" if Ukraine targets Crimea.

Crimea is internationally recognized as part of Ukraine. However, the area was annexed by Russia in 2014. Many Ukrainians see this as the start of their war with Russia.

The annexation took place in March 2014, following the results of a referendum deemed illegal by the global community, choosing to join Russia. It came after Ukraine's Russia-backed president was ousted after months of pro-European protests.