Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has confirmed it carried out a long-planned drone operation that damaged or destroyed over 40 Russian military aircraft stationed thousands of kilometers from the front lines. The strikes, executed over the weekend, marked one of Ukraine’s furthest-reaching drone campaigns since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
According to officials familiar with the operation, unmanned aircraft were launched from mobile units disguised as wooden structures transported on trucks. These trucks were positioned near five Russian airbases located in the Irkutsk, Murmansk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions.
Once in place, the drones were released remotely through retractable roofs and flew directly toward targeted aircraft. Video footage from the Belaya airfield in Siberia, though unverified by independent sources, shows large fires and multiple explosions that appear to align with Ukrainian claims.
Ukrainian sources estimate the losses to Russian aviation could exceed $2 billion. Among the damaged equipment were long-range bombers capable of carrying missiles used in past assaults on Ukrainian cities. Aircraft reported to be involved include Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers, as well as an A-50 early warning aircraft.
The drone operation, internally referred to as “Operation Web,” was reportedly in development for more than 18 months. It was overseen by SBU Chief Lt. Gen. Vasyl Maliuk and carried out with the support of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Sources say the logistics involved in transporting equipment deep into Russian territory were complex and conducted in stages over a prolonged period.
Speaking to local media, officials emphasized that this tactic was designed to extend Ukraine’s ability to target military installations located well outside the usual range of its conventional systems. The strikes aim to disrupt Russia’s long-distance bombing capacity, which has been a recurring threat to Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian areas.
The timing of the attack coincides with a new round of direct discussions between Ukraine and Russia scheduled to take place in Istanbul. President Zelensky announced that a delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, would travel to the talks with the goal of defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and security interests.
Meanwhile, Russia launched its own large-scale aerial assault on Ukraine. Officials in Kyiv reported that 472 drones, accompanied by seven missile strikes, targeted various cities and military sites overnight. Ukraine’s air force claimed to have intercepted 385 of these threats, while the remainder caused widespread disruption.
One of the more devastating strikes hit a Ukrainian army training site, leading to the deaths of at least 12 service members and injuries to more than 60 others. The location of the training ground has not been publicly confirmed, but Ukrainian officials stated that the site was well behind the front lines and not hosting any mass gatherings at the time.
A formal investigation has been launched to determine whether any procedural errors contributed to the casualties. Ukraine’s military leadership has promised accountability if negligence is discovered.
On Russia’s side, officials acknowledged that drone attacks occurred at five airbases but offered minimal detail. The Ministry of Defense described the events as “terrorist actions” by Ukrainian forces and said several pieces of aviation equipment were damaged. They reported no injuries among military or civilian personnel.
Authorities in Irkutsk, including Governor Igor Kobzev, confirmed a drone hit near the Belaya airbase. In a public message, Kobzev attempted to reassure residents, stating that the launch vehicle had been neutralized and that there was no threat to public safety. Videos posted by local sources show drone activity and fires near the facility.
Russian state media also covered the incidents but mostly downplayed the scale of the destruction. However, reports from multiple channels acknowledged fires and explosions at several airbases.
Elsewhere, Russian forces have continued to apply pressure in Ukraine’s Sumy and Donetsk regions. The Russian military claims to have taken control of the village of Oleksiivka, prompting Ukrainian authorities to order evacuations from 11 nearby settlements. Ukrainian commanders have said the Donetsk front remains one of the most challenging, particularly near Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and Lyman.
Ukrainian officials say they are adapting their strategy in response to Russia’s drone-heavy assault patterns, taking steps to avoid concentrated troop gatherings and to strengthen air defenses.
While the Istanbul talks could offer a path toward reducing hostilities, both sides remain entrenched in their military and political positions. Ukraine’s latest drone operation suggests that it is prepared to extend the reach of its defensive capabilities far beyond conventional expectations.
Whether this development will influence negotiations or escalate retaliatory measures from Moscow remains to be seen.
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