Russia confirms Ukrainian drone strikes on five airbases, 40 aircraft destroyed | Video
Ukraine's large-scale drone strikes on two Russian airbases reportedly destroyed over 40 military aircraft, marking a major escalation in the conflict.
In a significant escalation of its military campaign, Ukraine has carried out large-scale drone strikes on five key Russian airbases, confirming widespread damage and reportedly destroying over 40 Russian aircraft. The attacks, which targeted military airfields in the Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions, mark one of the most ambitious Ukrainian offensives inside Russian territory.
Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside Russian territory
The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed on Sunday that multiple drone attacks hit five airbases across Russia, damaging several aircraft. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claimed that the drone strikes were part of an operation planned over 11 months, and at least 40 Russian aircraft were destroyed, including the TU-95 and TU-22 strategic bombers, which are capable of carrying nuclear payloads.
“These strikes were carried out using FPV (First-Person View) drones,” said a statement from Russia’s MoD. "Several aircraft caught fire as a result of the drone attacks, but the fires were extinguished. No casualties were reported among either civilians or military personnel," the statement added.
Strategic locations targeted: Olenya and Belaya airbases hit
The targeted airbases include Olenya and Belaya, which house critical Russian assets, such as the Tupolev Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers, as well as A-50 AWACS surveillance aircraft. Ukrainian authorities have claimed that these bases were severely damaged, with the destruction of over 40 Russian aircraft.
The Governor of Russia’s Irkutsk region confirmed that a military facility in Siberia was struck for the first time, signaling an unprecedented escalation of the conflict. Emergency response teams have been deployed to manage the fallout, and authorities have reportedly blocked the drones’ launch site.
"Operation Web": Ukraine's strategic offensive
The Ukrainian offensive has been dubbed “Operation Web,” with media reports highlighting the precision and planning behind the strikes. According to Ukrainian sources, the operation was aimed at weakening Russia’s offensive capabilities ahead of potential ground assaults on Kyiv. The strikes came just a day after reports that Russia had deployed around 50,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, seemingly preparing for a large-scale military assault.
The Ukrainian government has claimed that these drone strikes are part of a broader strategy to target Russian military infrastructure deep within their own territory. This approach represents a significant shift in Ukraine's military doctrine, focusing on precision strikes against high-value targets well beyond the front lines.
Footage of the destruction: Aircraft in flames
Dramatic footage circulating on social media shows several Russian aircraft engulfed in flames at one of the targeted airbases. Eyewitnesses reported hearing explosions consistent with drone strikes. The video has been widely shared as proof of the effectiveness of Ukraine's aerial offensive.
Iran Observer, an online outlet, posted a video showing the aftermath of the drone strikes, with aircraft burning on the runway and smoke billowing into the sky. Such footage has fueled global speculation about the scale of the damage and Ukraine’s growing ability to strike key Russian military assets.
Russian military suffers major setback
While the Russian government has not officially confirmed the full extent of the damage, analysts suggest that these attacks are a major blow to President Vladimir Putin’s military infrastructure. The strikes are viewed as a demonstration of Ukraine’s growing capabilities to conduct long-range, precise attacks against high-value Russian military assets.
"This operation is a strategic turning point," said military expert Sergei Ivanov. "Ukraine has demonstrated that it can strike deep within Russian territory with high precision, inflicting damage that will have long-term strategic implications for Russia’s military capabilities."
The changing face of Ukraine's military strategy
The drone strikes are part of a broader shift in Ukraine’s military tactics, with more emphasis on targeting logistical and strategic hubs within Russia. These operations underscore the increasing role of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and drone technology in modern warfare, signaling a new phase in the conflict.
With the war now well into its second year, Ukraine's growing use of drones as a strategic tool could reshape the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. The strikes highlight Ukraine's ability to disrupt Russian military operations far beyond the frontline, offering a glimpse of the future of warfare where technology and precision strikes dominate.
Emergency meeting called by Putin, counterattack likely against Ukraine
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine are expected to escalate after Ukraine carried out a large-scale suicide drone attack on the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk Oblast, targeting several TU-95 Russian bombers. Following this attack, President Vladimir Putin reportedly called for an emergency security meeting, signaling that a significant retaliatory strike against Ukraine could be imminent.
Peace talks in Istanbul: A fragile hope
The drone strikes come on the eve of the second round of peace talks scheduled in Istanbul. Russian delegation leader, Kremlin aide Vladimir Medynsky, has already arrived in Turkey for the talks, which may focus on the possibility of reaching a ceasefire agreement. However, experts remain skeptical about an immediate resolution, with many predicting that peace talks will only serve to create a temporary pause in hostilities, not a long-term solution.
When did the Russia-Ukraine war begin?
The Russia-Ukraine war officially began on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. This was not an unexpected event, but rather the culmination of a conflict that started in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine.
What is the root cause of the conflict?
The root cause of the Russia-Ukraine conflict lies in the dispute over Crimea. In 2014, Russia annexed the Crimea region from Ukraine, a move that was widely regarded as illegal by the international community. This was followed by the start of pro-Russian insurgencies in the Donbas region (comprising Donetsk and Luhansk), which Russia supported.
Furthermore, Russia does not want Ukraine to become part of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), as it perceives this as a direct security threat to its borders. Despite Russia’s objections, Ukraine has been strengthening its ties with the European Union and the United States, actions that have caused discomfort for Moscow. Russia views Ukraine as an "historical part" of its territory and claims that it intervened in the region to protect "Russian-speaking" people.
The ongoing escalation highlights the precarious nature of the conflict, with both sides poised for continued military engagement despite the talks.