Ukraine has carried out one of its largest drone strikes of the war, reportedly hitting more than 40 Russian military aircraft at multiple air bases, a Ukrainian security official told Reuters on Sunday.
The source, speaking anonymously, said the attack was conducted by Ukraine’s SBU intelligence agency and targeted four separate Russian airfields.
Among the aircraft struck were Tu-95 and Tu-22 strategic bombers, which Moscow has used to launch long-range missile attacks on Ukraine.
Video footage shared by the source showed several large aircraft ablaze, some appearing to be Tu-95 bombers.
If confirmed, the attack would represent the most damaging drone strike by Ukraine since the start of the war, marking a major blow to Russia’s air power.
Reuters has not independently verified the footage or the full extent of the damage.
Ukraine has leaned heavily on drone warfare in recent months, compensating for its lack of long-range missiles by developing a growing fleet of domestically produced attack drones.
The strike comes just ahead of a proposed meeting in Istanbul, initiated by Russia. Kyiv has confirmed its attendance, with Defence Minister Rustem Umerov set to lead the delegation.
Read next
00:15
Russia and Ukraine have made progress toward peace during the second round of negotiations in Istanbul, agreeing on an expanded humanitarian exchange and moving closer to a ceasefire, Turkish FM Hakan Fidan said.
19:34
proposal
In a significant development toward de-escalating the ongoing war, Russia on Monday formally presented Ukraine with a comprehensive peace proposal, outlining steps for a full ceasefire and a long-term peace agreement, according to Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation.
15:20
world news
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has called on the United States to implement tougher sanctions against Russia, as the EU prepares its next sanctions package.
13:50
Russia’s Defence Ministry reported that 162 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight during what it described as a large-scale drone attack on its territory.
13:35
Russian stocks and the ruble fell as investors reacted cautiously to upcoming negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment