Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Attack On Russian Airbases, Over 40 Aircrafts Targeted: Reports

Moscow: Ukraine launched a massive drone strike on Russian military planes, reportedly hitting over 40 aircraft on Sunday, according to a Ukrainian security official. The attack, carried out by Ukraine's SBU security agency, targeted four Russian military air bases simultaneously, dealing a massive blow to Russia's aerial capabilities. According to reports, the drones struck aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers, which are long-range planes used by Russia to fire missiles at targets in Ukraine. The Ukrainian security official, speaking anonymously, shared videos that purportedly showed the attack, with footage depicting large aircraft, some of which appeared to be Tu-95 bombers, engulfed in flames.

The attack claims, which marked one of the serious drone strikes by Ukraine since the start of the war, have not been officially confirmed by the Russian authorities. Ukraine has increasingly relied on drones in place of missiles, which it has fewer of than Russia. These drones have been used in earlier attacks on military and fuel sites inside Russia, demonstrating Ukraine's growing capabilities and reach.

The strike comes as Russia has suggested new peace talks in Istanbul on Monday, with Ukraine yet to confirm whether it will attend. The development added a layer of difficulty to the ongoing conflict, with both sides seemingly dug in and determined to assert their dominance.

The Ukrainian drone strike is a major escalation of the conflict, showing the country's ability to target Russian military assets deep within its territory. The attack will likely have far-reaching implications for the conflict, possibly forcing Russia to reassess its military strategy and prioritise the defence of its airbases.

Fire Breaks Out At Belaya Air Base

The foreign Ukraine has reportedly launched a large-scale drone attack against Russia, targeting major airbases and strategic bombers. According to sources cited by the Kyiv Independent, the Ukrainian security services, specifically the SBU, have carried out a special operation aimed at destroying bombers far from the front lines, deep within Russia.

The attack, which targeted the Olenya and Belaya airbases, reportedly resulted in over 40 Russian aircraft being hit, including A-50, Tu-95, and Tu-22M3 bombers. A fire broke out at the Belaya air base, further exacerbating the damage. The SBU official, quoted by the local media, emphasised that the operation was designed to target enemy aircraft that have been bombing Ukrainian cities every night.

The Ukrainian security services' large-scale special operation also showcased their capability to strike at Russian military assets beyond the immediate battlefield. The attack also highlighted Ukraine's growing use of drone technology and its willingness to target strategic Russian assets.

Ukrainian Drones Attacked Russia’s Irkutsk Region

The latest attack came up amid an ongoing escalation of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides engaging in intense military operations.

The Ukrainian attack was a large-scale drone attack on Russia's Irkutsk region, specifically targeting a military unit in the village of Sridni. The operation marked one of Kyiv's most significant military actions to date.

According to the Russian governor of the Irkutsk region, the attack was confirmed, underlining the escalating nature of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Both sides have been engaging in increasingly sophisticated and far-reaching military operations, with Ukraine's drone attack being the latest example.

First Instance Of Ukraine Targeting Deep In Russia’s Territory

The attack on the military unit in Sridni village is particularly notable, as it represents one of the first instances of Ukraine targeting Russia's territory so deep within Siberia. The fact that Ukraine was able to breach Russian defences and strike at a military unit in Siberia was a blow to Russia's reputation as a military power.