Ukraine Launches Major Drone Strike on Russian Airbases, Damages Over 40 Military Aircraft

Drone Strike on Russian Airbases: In what could be one of the most significant drone operations of the ongoing war, Ukraine has reportedly launched a massive aerial assault targeting multiple Russian military airbases. According to a Ukrainian security official who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, over 40 Russian warplanes were damaged in coordinated drone strikes carried out on Sunday.

The official revealed that the operation was executed by Ukraine’s SBU domestic intelligence agency and simultaneously struck four key Russian military airbases. Among the damaged aircraft were strategic bombers such as the Tu-95 and Tu-22, which have been extensively used by Russia for launching long-range missile attacks on Ukrainian targets.

While Reuters has yet to independently verify the claims, the source provided video footage allegedly showing large aircraft, including Tu-95 bombers, engulfed in flames. If confirmed, this would mark the most damaging drone attack carried out by Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict, posing a serious blow to Moscow’s aerial strike capabilities.

Ukraine has increasingly relied on drones for offensive operations, compensating for its lack of a vast missile arsenal. Over the past several months, Kyiv has invested heavily in drone warfare, targeting not only military sites but also critical oil infrastructure within Russian territory.

This development comes at a sensitive time, with Russia having proposed a new round of peace talks in Istanbul scheduled for Monday. However, Ukraine has not officially responded to the proposal, maintaining strategic silence amidst escalating tensions.

As both nations remain locked in a prolonged and deadly conflict, Sunday’s drone strikes underscore Ukraine’s evolving tactics and its growing reliance on technological warfare to level the playing field. The damage inflicted—if confirmed—could delay Russian aerial operations and force Moscow to reconsider its strategic deployments going forward.

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, awaiting further confirmation and potential responses from both Kyiv and Moscow in the days ahead.