Ukraine drones strike over 40 Russian warplanes across multiple airbases: Officials

In a major escalation on Sunday, over 40 Russian military aircraft were reportedly damaged in coordinated drone strikes launched by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU). The operation targeted multiple airbases inside Russia, including facilities in Irkutsk and Murmansk regions, and aimed to damage aircraft involved in strikes on Ukrainian territory.

According to sources from the Ukrainian Security Service, the operation resulted in hits on strategic bombers including the A-50, Tu-95, and Tu-22M3 models. A source stated, “Enemy strategic bombers are burning en masse in Russia — this is the result of a special operation by the SBU.” The same source added that the attacks were carried out at several bases near the frontline and in the Russian interior.

One of the key targets reported was the Belaya air base in Irkutsk Oblast, where significant damage is believed to have occurred. Russia’s Murmansk regional governor confirmed that “enemy drones have attacked the territory of the Murmansk region,” without disclosing further details. Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev stated that a UAV raid was carried out on a military unit in his region, marking the first such incident in Siberia.

This Ukrainian drone operation came hours after Russia launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began in 2022. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia fired 472 drones and seven missiles during the night, with Ukrainian forces intercepting 382 drones and three missiles. Despite the interception, 12 Ukrainian military personnel were killed and more than 60 injured in a missile strike on a training facility.

Amid the escalation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a Ukrainian delegation would attend ceasefire negotiations with Russia in Istanbul on Monday. The United States has proposed a 30-day full-scale ceasefire across land, air, and sea, which Ukraine has accepted and is awaiting a response from the Russian side.