Ukraine Responds Swiftly After Largest Russian Air Assault
In the wake of Russia's most massive aerial offensive of the conflict to date, Ukraine launched a decisive counterstrike, targeting Russia’s Savasleyka airbase and damaging key fighter jets.
Details of the Russian Air Attack
On the night between Sunday and Monday, Russian forces unleashed an unprecedented aerial barrage, deploying 479 drones and 20 missiles in a coordinated attack against Ukrainian positions. This marked the largest air assault in the war so far, underscoring Russia’s intensified military efforts.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes Damage Russian Fighter Planes
Shortly after the Russian offensive, Ukrainian special forces targeted the Savasleyka airbase, used by Russia as a launch point for attacks on Ukraine. Ukrainian drones damaged at least two sophisticated Russian fighter aircraft — a MiG-31K and a Sukhoi Su-30/34.
According to Ukrainian military officials, these aircraft are pivotal in Russia’s deployment of hypersonic "Kinzhal" missiles, which have been employed against Ukrainian targets.
Continued Strikes on Russian Military Infrastructure
Beyond the airbase attack, Ukraine targeted a manufacturing facility operated by JSC VNIIR-Progress in Cheboksary, located in Russia’s Chuvashia region. This plant produces critical components for Russian Iskander and Kalibr missile systems, as well as for Iranian-made Shahed suicide drones — a linchpin of Russian aerial assaults.
Recent weeks have witnessed Kyiv intensify its strikes, not only on military airbases but also on oil depots and chemical plants, including facilities in Saratov and Tula regions, signaling an aggressive effort to undermine Russia’s war-sustaining infrastructure.
Escalation Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Talks
Despite ongoing dialogue attempts between the two nations, military engagements have dramatically escalated. Russia, bolstered by support from allies like China, Iran, and North Korea, has increased territorial gains considerably — taking 196 square miles of Ukrainian land in May alone, surpassing gains in previous months.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s armed forces find themselves battling against larger, better-supplied Russian counterparts, making aerial and infrastructural strikes crucial tactics to level the playing field.
What Lies Ahead?
Russian leadership appears to be using the talks as a stalling tactic to maximize battlefield gains, pushing for acceptance of stringent terms. With both sides now locked in a high-stakes combination of diplomacy and intensified conflict, the coming weeks will be critical in shaping the war’s trajectory.
Summary: Ukraine delivered a potent counterattack on Russian airbases shortly after facing its biggest drone and missile onslaught yet. Damage to Russian warplanes and strategic infrastructure highlights the escalating military tussle amid fragile peace talks.
