Ukraine Launches Drone Attack Deep Inside Russia, Destroys Dozens of Russian Warplanes

Ukrainian forces executed a major drone assault on Russian air bases located deep inside Russian territory on Sunday, destroying what Ukrainian officials claim to be dozens of warplanes. The operation, described as highly complex and meticulously planned, allegedly targeted five separate airfields and resulted in the destruction of 40 aircraft, according to statements from Kyiv.

Details of the attack reveal that specially designed drones were concealed inside containers and transported by trucks far into Russian territory. These drones were then launched at various locations, with reports indicating that a total of 41 planes, including A-50 surveillance aircraft as well as Tupolev Tu-95 and Tu-22M long-range bombers, were destroyed. These particular Russian aircraft have played significant roles in the ongoing conflict, being utilized for both missile strikes on Ukrainian territory and coordinating airborne operations.

The strike represents one of the largest and most damaging Ukrainian operations within Russian borders since the outset of the war. A Ukrainian official noted that preparations for the attack took more than a year, underscoring both its complexity and its strategic significance. After the incident, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a statement asserting the country's commitment to defending its sovereignty, saying, "We are doing everything to protect our independence, our state and our people."

Moscow's defense ministry acknowledged the attacks, confirming that multiple airfields were struck and that significant damage had occurred. The loss of these aircraft could limit Russia's ability to launch missile attacks using the Tu-95 and Tu-22M bombers, which have been critical to their campaign against Ukraine. The destruction of A-50 early warning planes may also hinder Russia's capability to coordinate aerial operations and detect incoming threats.

The White House indicated that former President Donald Trump and his administration were not forewarned about the strike. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported that President Zelenskyy had personally overseen the launch of the operation, signaling its importance at the highest levels of government.

The airbase attacks came just a day before top Ukrainian and Russian officials are due to meet in Istanbul, Turkey, for a second round of ceasefire negotiations. The timing of the strike could impact the tone and substance of those discussions, as both sides reassess their capabilities and leverage.

Adding to the turbulence, a series of explosions struck bridges near the Russia-Ukraine border over the weekend. On Saturday night, a highway bridge in the Bryansk region was destroyed just as a passenger train passed underneath, while only hours later, a railway bridge in the neighboring Kursk region was also blown up. Although Ukrainian authorities have not claimed responsibility for these acts, the incidents have further raised tensions along the border and disrupted key transportation links.

As the conflict continues to escalate with high-profile strikes and mounting losses, all eyes now turn to the upcoming talks in Istanbul, where negotiators face an increasingly volatile situation on the ground and renewed uncertainty regarding the future course of the war.