Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently described a massive drone strike on Russian airbases as Ukraine’s “most long-range operation” in the over three years of ongoing conflict.
- Advertisement -
Mr. Zelensky confirmed that operatives involved in executing the drone strikes had been successfully “withdrawn” from Russian territory prior to reports from Russia’s defense ministry about arrests of several “participants.” He noted, “This operation underscores our commitment to defending our sovereignty and targeting those who threaten our nation.”
This announcement follows a significant Ukrainian operation where Russian bombers worth billions were reportedly destroyed during a “large-scale” drone assault on military airbases. Both nations are now preparing for discussions aimed at exploring potential ceasefire agreements.
A source from the Ukrainian security services elaborated that the drones were cleverly concealed within the ceilings of shipping containers, which were opened to facilitate the attack. The sheds were transported by trucks to the perimeter of the airbases. The source indicated, “A remotely activated mechanism allowed the roof panels to be lifted, enabling the drones to launch effectively.”
The security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that strikes were executed on four airbases, resulting in damage to a total of 41 Russian warplanes. It’s essential to note that Reuters has not independently verified these claims.
Unverified videos and images circulating on Russian social media depicted thick plumes of smoke rising near airfields in Siberia, with Russian strategic bombers ablaze at the Belaya airbase in the Irkutsk region.
Russia confirmed several arrests following the drone strikes that targeted military airfields across five regions, incinerating multiple aircraft. The strikes occurred in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions. According to Russia’s defense ministry, air defenses successfully countered the assaults in all regions except Murmansk and Irkutsk, where, “The launch of FPV drones close to airfields resulted in several aircraft catching fire.” Fortunately, no casualties were reported, although the ministry confirming the detention of certain individuals involved in the attacks.
This operation emerges during a sensitive time, three years into Russia’s invasion. President Zelensky announced a delegation led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov will head to Istanbul for discussions with Russian officials tomorrow. Turkey is facilitating these talks, a move urged by U.S. President Donald Trump to expedite a resolution to the prolonged conflict.
While Mr. Zelensky previously expressed skepticism regarding Russia’s intention for seriousness in the proposed talks, he defined the objectives of the Ukrainian delegation: “Our priorities include a complete and unconditional ceasefire and the return of prisoners and abducted children.” It’s noteworthy that Russia has consistently dismissed prior ceasefire demands.
In a significant observation, a source from Ukraine’s SBU security service stated the coordinated strikes aimed to cripple enemy bombers positioned far from the front lines. An account linked to the Russian military on Telegram described the assault as a “very heavy blow” to Moscow, attributing it to “serious errors” by Russian intelligence.
According to the SBU, the airbases targeted included Belaya in Eastern Siberia, Olenya near the Arctic, and Ivanovo and Dyagilevo, both east of Moscow. Claims surfaced that over 40 aircraft were damaged at the Belaya airbase, accompanied by video evidence showing several aircraft ablaze with thick smoke rising above the scene. As with prior instances, AFP could not independently validate these claims or the accompanying video footage.
In another dramatic announcement, the SBU declared a successful “special operation” that reportedly inflicted damage on Russian military planes worth around $7 billion (€6.1 billion). Russia confirmed reports of several military aircraft “catching fire,” adding that there were no casualties and multiple arrests had been made.
Igor Kobzev, Governor of Russia’s Irkutsk region, remarked that it marked “the first attack of this sort in Siberia.” He appealed to the public not to panic and shared an amateur video purportedly depicting a drone in flight alongside the smoke rising from the attack.
Governor Andrey Chibis from the Murmansk region also acknowledged that “enemy drones” were observed in the skies, with anti-aircraft defenses engaged. This drone strike represents a notable shift, as it marks the first time Ukraine has launched such an operation deep within Russian territory, a distance exceeding 4,300 km (2,670 miles) from the front lines.
The operation, code-named “Spider’s Web,” was personally overseen by Mr. Zelensky and Vasyl Maliuk, head of the SBU. If confirmed, these strikes would rank as the most destructive drone attack Ukraine has executed during this war, presenting a considerable setback for Moscow.
Video footage purportedly from the operation shows large aircraft engulfed in flames. Separately, Moscow officials reported the collapse of two bridges in regions bordering Ukraine, attributing the incidents to explosions, although no responsible party has been disclosed. Investigations are currently underway, treating them as “acts of terrorism.”
The tension escalated as both nations ramp up military endeavors ahead of the scheduled peace talks. Ukraine’s air force reported a significant uptick in attacks, with 472 Russian drones and seven missiles targeted overnight—the highest since the onset of the invasion. In a rare acknowledgment, the Ukrainian army noted a deadly Russian missile strike on its training unit that claimed several soldiers’ lives, resulting in substantial injuries to others, prompting the resignation of ground forces commander Mykhailo Drapaty, who felt compelled to take responsibility for the tragic losses.
Meanwhile, the Russian military claimed additional territorial gains in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region, asserting they have captured various settlements recently. Local authorities have evacuated over 200 villages due to intensified shelling.
Amid escalating hostilities, a blast recently caused a bridge to collapse in the Bryansk region, bordering Ukraine, leading to the tragic derailment of a passenger train bound for Moscow and resulting in seven fatalities. Subsequently, a second rail bridge in the neighboring Kursk region suffered a similar fate just hours later. As investigations into these incidents continue, it remains unclear who is orchestrating these acts.
As the situation develops, the possibility of peace looms on the horizon, but as history has shown us, “The quest for peace is often fraught with challenges.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
