A significant Ukrainian drone attack has reportedly destroyed over 40 Russian aircraft within Russia, as both nations prepare for new peace talks. A Ukrainian security official revealed this information to The Associated Press, noting that the operation took more than a year and was overseen by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The drones were transported deep into Russian territory in trucks and targeted several airfields, including the Belaya air base in the Irkutsk region, which is about 2,500 miles from Ukraine. This marks the first known use of Ukrainian drones in that area, according to local officials. Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed the attacks, stating that they affected five airfields and caused damage and fires in Irkutsk and Murmansk. However, they also reported that some strikes were repelled in other regions.
The drone attack coincided with Zelenskyy’s announcement that Ukraine would send a delegation to Istanbul for peace talks with Russia. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will lead the Ukrainian team. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of protecting Ukraine’s independence and urged Russia to provide a promised memorandum regarding their stance on ending the conflict before the talks.
Meanwhile, Russia launched its largest drone strike against Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, deploying 472 drones alongside seven missiles. This attack resulted in casualties, with at least 12 Ukrainian soldiers killed and over 60 injured during a missile strike on an army training unit.
Ukrainian army commander Mykhailo Drapatyi resigned following the attack, which occurred at a time when precautions were being taken to avoid mass gatherings of troops. The training unit was located well behind the front lines, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by Russian reconnaissance and strike drones.
In the northern Sumy region, Russia claimed to have taken control of the village of Oleksiivka, prompting Ukrainian authorities to order evacuations in several nearby settlements. Ukrainian military leaders reported that Russian forces are intensifying their offensive efforts in key areas, including Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and Lyman, as well as along the border with Sumy.