Ukraine says nine Russian warplanes were destroyed in Crimea blasts

Rising smoke can be seen from the beach at Saky after explosions were heard from the direction of a Russian military airbase near Novofedorivka, Crimea (UGC/AP)

Nine Russian jets were destroyed in explosions at an air base in Crimea, Ukraine’s air force said.

It comes amid speculation the blasts were the result of a Ukrainian attack that would represent a significant escalation in the war.