President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally oversaw a clandestine drone operation that, according to a Ukrainian security official, resulted in the destruction of over 40 Russian military aircraft deep within Russia. This extraordinary attack, a year-and-a-half in the planning, involved the clandestine transport of drones by truck to hit distant airfields, including the Belaya air base in the Irkutsk region, thousands of kilometers from Ukraine. The complexity and reach of this alleged strike are unparalleled.
This revelation comes as Ukraine prepares to engage in another round of direct peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov leading the Ukrainian delegation. Zelenskyy’s statement underscored Ukraine’s determination to safeguard its independence. The timing of such a significant military claim, preceding diplomatic discussions, could be interpreted as a calculated move to influence negotiations.
Meanwhile, Russia responded with its largest drone attack on Ukraine to date, deploying 472 drones and seven missiles. This massive aerial assault followed a deadly Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian army training unit, which killed at least 12 Ukrainian service members and injured over 60. The incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by Ukrainian forces, even in rear areas, from sophisticated Russian weaponry and persistent drone surveillance.