Ukraine on Sunday launched one of its biggest drone attacks on Russia since the war began, hitting military bases deep inside Russian territory, including in eastern Siberia.
The governor of Russia’s Irkutsk region confirmed the attack, saying Ukrainian drones targeted a military unit in the village of Sridni. “This is the first such attack in Siberia,” the official said.
Ukrainian media reported that more than 40 Russian aircraft were damaged or destroyed at several airbases, including Belaya in Siberia, Olenya in the Arctic, and Ivanovo and Dyagilevo east of Moscow. Sources told the Kyiv Independent that bombers like Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, as well as at least one A-50 radar plane, were hit.
A Ukrainian security source told AFP, “This operation is aimed at destroying Russian bombers far from the front.” They added that fires broke out at the Belaya airbase after the attack.
Russian media, including RT, showed videos of drones attacking military units and said both army and civilian teams were responding to the situation. The operation was reportedly launched under the code name “Pavutyna” (Web) to weaken Russia’s long-range strike power.
Ukraine has used drones frequently because it does not have as many missiles as Russia. “We have built a strong fleet of attack drones to strike military and oil targets inside Russia,” a Ukrainian military official said.
Despite the attacks, both countries are preparing for new peace talks. Russia has proposed a fresh round of discussions in Istanbul on Monday, which Ukraine has accepted.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media, “I have defined our position before the Monday meeting in Istanbul. Our priorities are a complete and unconditional ceasefire, and the return of prisoners and abducted children.”
