Special forces carried out raid on Russian air base in Crimea - 200km behind the front lines - Ukraine says

There has been speculation about what caused the explosions, given that the rockets supplied with US-donated HIMARS launcher systems are believed to have a range of around 85km.

Russia claimed that ammunition had detonated but Sky News has now been told by a senior Ukrainian official that Ukrainian Special Forces carried out the operation.

Ukraine war: One dead as Russia insists explosions at Crimea air base caused by detonation of ammunition, not attack.

Witnesses said they heard at least 12 explosions at about 3.20pm local time (1.20pm BST) from the Saky base in Crimea.

Moscow said the explosions were detonations of stored ammunition, and had not been caused by an attack

There were suggestions on Ukrainian social media, however, that the base had been hit by long-range missiles fired from Ukraine

President Zelenskyy, speaking on Telegram, vowed that that war with Russia "began with Crimea and must end with Crimea - with its liberation."

Also on Wednesday, the UK's Ministry of Defence said in its latest intelligence report that Russian commanders likely continue to be faced with the competing priorities of reinforcing Moscow's Donbas offensive and strengthening defences against anticipated Ukrainian counter attacks in the south