Ukraine has initiated an extensive drone offensive, reportedly resulting in the destruction or damage of $7 billion worth of Russian military aircraft, which is being characterized as one of the most audacious strikes of contemporary times.
The operation focused on multiple Russian airbases situated thousands of kilometers away from the front line, just before crucial ceasefire discussions set to take place in Istanbul.
On Sunday, June 1, Ukrainian officials said that the assault was a "large-scale" initiative aimed at incapacitating Russian bombers.
A representative from Ukraine’s SBU security service indicated that the drones targeted airbases in Belaya (Siberia), Olenya (near the Finnish border in the Arctic), as well as Ivanovo and Dyagilevo (to the east of Moscow).
The Belaya airbase reportedly sustained the most damage, with over 40 aircraft affected and fires erupting throughout the facility.
Videos shared online seemed to depict aircraft engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing from the area. Although AFP could not independently confirm the reports or the videos, Russia’s defense ministry acknowledged that several military planes had ignited and mentioned that some individuals had been apprehended.
Igor Kobzev, the governor of Russia’s Irkutsk region, verified the occurrence and noted that it was the first drone attack of this kind in Siberia. Residents were advised to remain 'calm ' Likewise, Murmansk region governor Andrey Chibis confirmed that “enemy drones” had been spotted overhead and that air defenses had been activated.
This incident represents a rare and audacious strike deep within Russian territory. Drone attacks have generally been focused nearer to the front lines, but the operation on Sunday showcased Ukraine’s growing long-range capabilities.
At the same time, Ukraine faced a devastating blow when a Russian missile strike hit a training unit, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 Ukrainian soldiers and injuring over 60 others. The Ukrainian military reported that most of the victims were taking shelter during the strike. This attack led to the resignation of ground forces commander Mykhailo Drapaty, who took responsibility for the tragic loss.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Defence Minister Rustem Umerov would head Kyiv’s delegation to Istanbul for ceasefire discussions with Russian officials on Monday.
He emphasized Ukraine’s key negotiating points: an unconditional ceasefire, the return of prisoners of war, and the repatriation of children taken by Russia. Although he had previously expressed doubts about Russia’s honesty, he stated that Ukraine would participate with a clear stance.
Russia confirmed it would send its own delegation to Istanbul but chose not to disclose its peace proposals. President Vladimir Putin dismissed Turkey’s suggestion to conduct the talks at the heads-of-state level.
On Sunday, fighting on the ground intensified. The Russian military claimed to have taken control of another village in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region, where Moscow has reportedly gathered over 50,000 troops. Zelensky cautioned that Russia might be gearing up for a renewed ground offensive in the area. Ukrainian officials have evacuated more than 200 villages in preparation for potential further assaults.
Meanwhile, in Russia, two significant bridge collapses were reported over the weekend. In the Bryansk region, an explosion caused a road bridge to fall, derailing a passenger train heading to Moscow and resulting in seven fatalities. Shortly after, another explosion derailed a freight train on a rail bridge in the neighboring Kursk region, injuring the train’s driver. Russian authorities are treating these incidents as acts of terrorism but have not officially identified any suspects. A criminal investigation is currently in progress.
In a dramatic turn of events, Ukraine's air force announced that there was an unprecedented surge of Russian air assaults overnight, with 472 drones and seven missiles targeting Ukrainian land, marking the highest count since the war began.
These recent updates underscore the quickly rising military and strategic aspects of the conflict, even as both parties get ready to engage in discussions that might influence the upcoming stage of the war.