
Yesterday, Ukrainian forces launched their most extensive drone attack on Russian airfields since the start of the war, continuing a series of aggressive operations that began with a major ground incursion into Russia’s Kursk region the previous week. This ongoing cross-border campaign has placed the Kremlin on the defensive, leading to the evacuation of thousands of Russian citizens and raising concerns about the future trajectory of the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the military for the precision and effectiveness of the latest attacks. In a video address, he noted that Ukrainian drones have played a crucial role in these operations, although he acknowledged that drones alone cannot achieve all military objectives. “Our Ukrainian drones work exactly as they should. Still, there are things that cannot be done with drones alone,” Zelensky remarked, emphasizing the need for continued support from Western allies.
The recent drone assault targeted four Russian airfields located in the southwestern regions of Kursk, Voronezh, and Nizhny Novgorod, according to a source in Ukraine’s security service. This attack, described as the largest on Russian airfields to date, further strained Russia’s efforts to repel the Ukrainian advance, which has already forced tens of thousands of Russian citizens to flee their homes.
Russia’s defense ministry reported that 117 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight, primarily over the Kursk, Voronezh, Belgorod, and Nizhny Novgorod regions. The ministry also claimed that four tactical missiles were intercepted during this period. In Voronezh alone, more than 35 drones launched by Ukraine were destroyed, according to Governor Aleksandr Gusev. While no casualties were reported, the attacks caused damage to properties, vehicles, and municipal infrastructure, underscoring the scale and impact of the Ukrainian offensive.
In addition to the drone strikes, the Ukrainian Armed Forces claimed to have destroyed a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber in the Kursk region on Tuesday night. The situation in Belgorod, which borders Kursk, has also become increasingly tense. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov declared a regional emergency on Wednesday, citing the extremely difficult conditions on the ground. Residents in the area began evacuating earlier in the week as Ukrainian forces advanced deeper into Russian territory.
Ukraine’s incursion into Russia marks a dramatic shift in the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. While this is not the first time Ukrainian forces have crossed into Russian territory—the initial incursion into Kursk occurred the previous week—it represents an escalation that has forced Russia to impose counter-terror operations in Kursk, Belgorod, and the Bryansk region. The scale and persistence of these attacks have challenged Russia’s military strategy and complicated the Kremlin’s efforts to stabilize the frontlines.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko stated that the goal of the operation in Kursk is to create a “security zone” on Russian soil, which would protect border communities from continued Russian artillery and missile attacks. This strategic shift by Kyiv has also prompted increased demands for more advanced weaponry from Western allies, including long-range missile systems that could penetrate deeper into Russian territory.
The recent developments have put further strain on the possibility of future peace negotiations. Russian officials, including special envoy Rodion Miroshnik, have indicated that talks with Ukraine will be put on hold for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, concerns about the security of the Kursk nuclear power plant, located just 22 miles from the ongoing fighting, have intensified, adding another layer of complexity to the conflict.
As Ukraine continues to push deeper into Russian territory, the situation remains fluid and fraught with risks for both sides. The conflict has now entered a new phase, with Ukraine demonstrating its capability to carry out large-scale operations within Russian borders, challenging the Kremlin’s military strategy and further complicating the prospects for peace.
Red = Kursk Oblast in Russia
Orange = Voronezh Oblast in Russia
Brown = Nizhny Novgorod Oblast in Russia
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