Ukraine Executes Deep Drone Strike Destroying More Than 40 Russian Aircraft
In a significant military operation, Ukrainian forces destroyed over 40 Russian bombers in a drone attack deep within Russian territory. The operation, reportedly supervised personally by Ukraine's president, targeted multiple airfields including the Belaya air base located in Russia's Irkutsk region, approximately 4,000 kilometers from Ukraine's border.
The attack, which took more than 18 months to plan and execute, involved transporting drones in containers via trucks into the Russian interior. The drones were then launched from these trucks to strike the aircraft stationed at several air bases.
This marks the first confirmed appearance of Ukrainian drones in the Irkutsk region, according to local authorities. Additional drone sightings were also reported in Russia's Ryazan and Murmansk regions, though details remained limited.
Context of Ukrainian-Russian Peace Talks
The drone strike occurred one day before scheduled direct peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul. Ukraine confirmed it would send a delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to the talks. Ukrainian leadership emphasized their commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and protecting their people.
Prior to the talks, Ukrainian officials urged Russia to provide a memorandum outlining its position on ending the conflict. Russia had indicated intentions to present its proposal during the negotiations.
Russian Missile and Drone Campaign Targets Ukraine
On the same day, Russian forces launched the largest drone assault against Ukraine since the invasion began in February 2022, deploying 472 drones alongside seven missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force communicated these figures, highlighting the scale of the attack.
Earlier that day, a Russian missile strike hit a Ukrainian army training unit, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 service members and injuries to more than 60 others. The unit was located approximately 1,000 kilometers from the front line. Ukrainian military officials condemned the losses and pledged strict accountability pending investigation outcomes.
Ongoing Russian Advances in Northern Ukraine
Russia announced the capture of the village of Oleksiivka in Ukraine's northern Sumy region amid continued military advances. Ukrainian authorities responded by ordering evacuations in multiple settlements as pressure in the area escalates.
Ukraine's top military commander indicated that Russian forces were intensifying offensives in the Donetsk region, focusing on towns including Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and Lyman, as well as reinforcing efforts along the Sumy border. These movements highlight the multifront challenges Ukraine faces as conflict persists.
Key Takeaways
- Over 40 Russian military aircraft destroyed in a drone attack deep inside Russia.
- Attack planned over 18 months and included transporting drones via trucks.
- Drone activity reported for the first time in Russia’s Irkutsk region.
- Russian forces launched 472 drones and 7 missiles on Ukraine, marking the largest drone strike since 2022.
- At least 12 Ukrainian soldiers killed and 60 injured in a missile attack on a training unit.
- Russian advances continue in northern Ukraine, including the capture of Oleksiivka.
