Images show Putin’s obliterated war gear as US calls on Russia to leave Ukraine

The aftermath of damning strikes at a Russian airbase has been laid bare in new satellite images as a top US official called for Vladimir Putin’s troops to leave Ukraine . Two Il-76s aircraft were obliterated in strikes on Russia’s Kresty Air Base in Pskov Oblast earlier this week. Infrared satellite images released by Planet Labs Inc have revealed that two others were left badly damaged. The pictures appear to show the charred remnants of two Candids. The other two aircraft appear to have taken damage at the top of their fuselages, the aircraft’s midpoint where the wings are attached. A spokesperson for Ukraine ‘s military intelligence agency (GUR) said the four aircraft are irreparable. For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to Daily Express US   Two Il-76s aircraft were obliterated in strikes on Russia’s Kresty Air Base in Pskov Oblast (Image: PLANET LABS INC) Pskov Oblast is just 800 kilometres north of Kyiv but appeared to be left defenceless when drone strikes rained down on the region. Bryansk, Oryol, Kaluga, Ryazan oblasts and a microelectronics factory were also targeted  in the major wave of attacks earlier this week. Ukrainian Army Major Victor Tregubov told Daily Express US that Russia ‘s local assets are under threat as strikes batter the country. He said: ‘As we can see now. It is far from being just Moscow. Russian’s moved all their anti-aircraft defences to protect the capital and their forces on occupied territories, leaving local assets vulnerable. And they paid for it.’ Meanwhile, Ukraine has its sights set on re-taking Crimea and will not stand down until it achieves this goal. Two planes were reportedly left damaged beyond repair (Image: PLANET LABS INC) The peninsula was annexed by Russia in 2014 and is the grand prize in Kyiv’s efforts to drive Putin’s men out of the country. It appears the White House is in full support of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s aims. A senior State Department official told reporters Wednesday: ‘It’s very important that Ukraine win this war. ‘And by ‘win’, I mean as President Biden said, Russians leave all of Ukraine .’ The official added: ‘We need to finish this job… It’s in our fundamental interest to see and have Ukraine maintain its territorial integrity and for Europe to maintain its stability as our largest trading partner … [and] the most important partner, in terms of our projection of our power and our influence around the world, on global issues that span much broader than Europe.’ Ukraine launched its counteroffensive operation in early June after receiving advanced weapons from its Western allies, but has managed to make only incremental gains so far. Kyiv is hoping to split Russian-occupied land in southern Ukraine in two to scupper Moscow’s supply lines. Its troops are thought to be advancing south with the goal of reaching striking distance of Russian-controlled towns on the Sea of Azov coast, according to recent updates. Follow our social media accounts here on facebook.com/ExpressUSNews and @expressusnews