Largest Single-Day Drone Assault of the War
In a bold and unprecedented military operation, Ukraine launched the largest single-day drone assault since the onset of the war in February 2022. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, Ukrainian drones targeted strategic airbases across five Russian regions on Sunday — Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur — resulting in extensive damage and several aircraft catching fire.
While most of the attacks were reportedly repelled, drone strikes in Murmansk and Irkutsk managed to bypass air defenses. These strikes, launched from close proximity to the airfields, caused multiple fires, although no casualties have been reported. Russia confirmed that some individuals connected to the operation had been detained.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the mission, calling it “absolutely brilliant” and highlighting that it had been in planning for over a year and a half. In a video address, he stated that 117 drones were used and described it as Ukraine’s longest-range operation to date.
$7 Billion in Damage to Strategic Russian Aviation
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) estimated the damage inflicted on Russian military aircraft at approximately $7 billion. These losses were reportedly concentrated at key airbases, including Belaya in Irkutsk (4,300km from Ukraine) and Olenya in Murmansk (1,800km away). These bases house Russia’s strategic air bombers, which have long been used to launch strikes against Ukrainian targets.
According to sources within the SBU, the attack utilized drones smuggled deep into Russia and launched from hidden positions near the airbases. Ukrainian media reports indicate that at least 41 Russian heavy bombers were damaged in the operation. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Moscow noted that the operation required extensive coordination and the involvement of individuals within Russian territory — marking it as the most extensive drone assault within Russia’s borders since the war began.
From Kyiv, Al Jazeera’s John Hendren described the attack as “audacious,” emphasizing that Ukraine had exercised patience in waiting for the right moment to deliver such a powerful blow — particularly as Russian air raids on Ukraine had intensified in recent weeks.
Escalation Ahead of Peace Talks in Istanbul
The drone offensive came just days before peace talks are scheduled to begin in Istanbul on Monday. Ukraine confirmed that Defence Minister Rustem Umerov will lead its delegation. Ukrainian priorities for the talks include a complete and unconditional ceasefire, as well as the return of prisoners and abducted children. President Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Russia’s willingness to negotiate in good faith but affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to dialogue.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high as Russia reported it had launched 472 drones and seven missiles at Ukraine overnight — the highest nightly total of the war. Additionally, at least seven people were killed and 69 injured after a bridge in Russia’s Bryansk region exploded while a train carrying 388 passengers was crossing. Though Russian officials labeled it an “act of terrorism,” no group has claimed responsibility, and Ukraine has not been officially blamed.
Russia also claimed advances in Ukraine’s Sumy region, reportedly capturing 450 sq km of territory in May — the fastest monthly gain in over six months.
As both sides escalate their offensives, Monday’s peace talks in Istanbul are expected to be tense. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed suggestions to elevate the meeting to a leadership level and has kept Russia’s peace terms undisclosed.
