A Ukrainian security official has sensationally claimed that a drone attack, executed deep inside Russia, has resulted in the destruction of more than 40 Russian military aircraft. This audacious operation, reportedly spanning 18 months of planning and directly supervised by President Zelenskyy, utilized covert truck transport to deliver drones to targets as distant as the Belaya air base in the Irkutsk region, over 4,000 kilometers from Ukraine. This demonstrates a remarkable level of strategic depth and planning by Ukrainian forces.
This revelation comes on the eve of new direct peace talks in Istanbul, where Ukrainian and Russian delegations are set to meet. President Zelenskyy has appointed Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to lead the Ukrainian team, signaling the critical importance of these negotiations. The timing of such a significant military claim, just before diplomatic efforts, adds a layer of strategic complexity to the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, Russia responded with its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the full-scale invasion, launching an unprecedented 472 drones and seven missiles. This overwhelming aerial assault coincided with a tragic Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian army training unit, which killed at least 12 service members and injured over 60. The incident underscores the pervasive threat from Russian long-range capabilities, even as Ukrainian forces prioritize dispersion to mitigate casualties.
