Russia Ukraine War : In a significant escalation of its drone warfare capabilities, Ukraine launched coordinated strikes deep into Russian territory over the weekend, targeting at least five military airfields. While Russia claims most attacks were repelled, Ukraine asserts it inflicted major damage, including destroying strategic bombers.
Russia Ukraine War : Scope of the Attacks
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed Sunday that Ukrainian forces used First-Person-View (FPV) drones to attack airbases in five far-flung regions:
- Murmansk Region (Olenogorsk Airbase): Near the Arctic Circle, far from Ukraine’s borders.
- Irkutsk Region (Sydney/Sredny Airbase): Deep in Siberia, thousands of miles east.
- Ivanovo Region
- Ryazan Region
- Amur Region: In Russia’s Far East.
This marks the first time Ukrainian drone attacks have reached the strategically vital Murmansk and Siberian Irkutsk locations, demonstrating a new long-range capability.
Conflicting Claims Emerge On Russia Ukraine War
- Russia’s Account: The Russian MoD stated attacks on the Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur airbases were “repelled.” They acknowledged drones launched near the Murmansk and Irkutsk bases caused “several aircraft” to catch fire, but said the fires were extinguished. They reported no casualties and claimed some attackers were detained, labeling the strikes “terror attacks.”
- Ukraine’s Claim: Ukrainian authorities, specifically the Security Service (SBU), presented a dramatically different picture. They claimed the meticulously planned 11-month operation destroyed approximately 40 Russian aircraft, including highly valuable, nuclear-capable Tu-95 “Bear” and Tu-22 “Backfire” strategic bombers. The SBU stated the targeted aircraft were worth an estimated $7 billion USD.
New Tactics, Significant Reach
Reports suggest Ukraine employed innovative tactics to strike the distant Murmansk and Irkutsk bases. Drone operators allegedly used trailer trucks positioned close to the target airbases as mobile launch platforms, bypassing the need for extremely long-range drones and overcoming Russian air defenses designed to protect the homeland.
Timing: Pressure Before Peace Talks?
The attacks come just as a second round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is scheduled to begin Monday in Istanbul, Turkey. A Russian delegation, led by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky, has already arrived. Observers speculate that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may be aiming to demonstrate resolve and increase leverage on Moscow by showcasing Ukraine’s ability to strike deep inside Russia, even as diplomatic efforts resume.
Skepticism on Ceasefire Prospects
Despite the diplomatic movement, security experts remain highly skeptical that these talks will yield an immediate ceasefire. The scale and audacity of the Ukrainian drone attacks underscore the ongoing intensity of the conflict, even as negotiators prepare to meet.
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Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian airbases:
- Ukraine executed unprecedented long-range drone strikes on at least five Russian airbases, including first-time hits in Murmansk and Siberia.
- Russia confirms the attacks but downplays damage, claiming most were repelled and fires extinguished.
- Ukraine claims massive success, stating it destroyed around 40 aircraft, including strategic bombers, worth $7 billion.
- Innovative tactics using mobile launch points near the bases were reportedly employed.
- The strikes occurred immediately before renewed Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, potentially as a show of strength by Kyiv.
- Experts doubt the talks will quickly lead to a ceasefire given the ongoing hostilities.
Russia Ukraine War : The situation remains fluid, with verification of the conflicting damage assessments challenging. However, the attacks undeniably represent a major evolution in Ukraine’s ability to project force deep into Russian territory.
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