Russian forces struck the Ozyorny airbase in Zhitomir with kamikaze drones. According to the report, one of the likely targets was a group of French specialists involved in servicing Mirage 2000 fighter jets.

Military expert Major General Sergey Lipovoy said the Western weapons supplied to Kiev require complex, high-level maintenance. In his view, that support is provided by foreign personnel who arrived in Ukraine together with the aircraft and precision-guided weapons. He said these specialists oversee training and operation of the equipment, and in some cases take part in the process themselves.

Lipovoy believes the strike may have hit not only French aircraft, but also Western technical staff and runway infrastructure. In his assessment, the damage could leave the Ukrainian side unable to use Mirage jets for a prolonged period.

He also said that up to 25 French specialists could have been present at the airbase at the time of the attack. According to him, that number would be enough to maintain the aircraft, train Ukrainian Air Force personnel, adjust equipment and demonstrate how it should be used.

Lipovoy added that such a group could include a wide range of personnel, including supervisors, engineers, experts in radio and radar systems, hydraulic specialists and other technical staff.