Ukraine strikes Russian airbases destroying over 40 military aircraft

In a significant military operation, Ukraine conducted a large-scale drone attack on several Russian airbases, destroying more than 40 military aircraft. This operation occurred on Sunday, June 1, 2025, and targeted airfields deep within Russian territory, including locations such as Irkutsk and Murmansk. The Ukrainian Security Service indicated that the drones used in the operation had been meticulously transported into Russia, concealed within mobile homes and launched from trucks at the airbases. This level of planning and execution marked a notable escalation in Ukraine's offensive capabilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supervised the operation, which reportedly took over a year and a half to plan. The drone strikes were timed closely with the announcement of new peace talks in Istanbul, underlining Ukraine's dual strategy of military action coupled with diplomatic endeavors. The attacks not only aimed at diminishing Russia's aerial capabilities but also served as a show of strength amid ongoing international discussions about the conflict. While the Ukrainian side promoted the attack as a necessary move to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the backdrop of increased Russian missile strikes on Ukraine posed a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict. Footage released by Ukrainian officials showed the aftermath at the Olenya airbase near Murmansk, with images of heavy bombers in flames as smoke billowed from multiple sites. Reports also noted that Russian officials, while confirming the drone strike, had not provided specific details regarding the full extent of the damage. The operation allegedly included strikes on the strategic Tu-95 and Tu-22M bombers used by Russia for launching missile attacks into Ukraine, thus significantly impairing their operational capabilities. In conjunction with this offensive, Russian forces launched a substantial drone attack on Ukraine, deploying 472 drones, which marked their largest engagement since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. This tit-for-tat escalation illustrates the volatile nature of the conflict, as both sides appear entrenched in military strategies designed to outmaneuver the other while simultaneously engaging in potential peace negotiations. As both nations prepare for talks in Istanbul, the recent attacks signify a critical juncture in the ongoing war and highlight the challenges of achieving meaningful resolutions while hostilities persist.