Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Assault on Russian Air Bases, Hits Targets Deep in Siberia

Mangalore Today News Network

Moscow, June 1, 2025: Ukraine on Sunday launched one of its most extensive drone attacks against Russia since the start of the war, striking multiple military air bases, including a site in eastern Siberia, thousands of kilometers from the front line.

The governor of Russia’s Irkutsk region confirmed the unprecedented strike on a military unit in the village of Sridni — marking the first reported Ukrainian drone attack in Siberia.

Ukrainian media, citing security officials, reported that over 40 Russian aircraft were targeted in a coordinated operation by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), under the codename “Pavutyna” (“Web”). Strikes reportedly hit four key Russian air bases, including Olenya and Belaya.

Destroyed aircraft include strategic bombers such as the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, and at least one A-50 airborne early warning plane, according to The Kyiv Independent. A fire was reported at Belaya air base, sources told AFP.

If confirmed, this would be Ukraine’s most damaging drone assault of the war and a major blow to Russia’s long-range strike capability.

Russian state media RT published footage of drones striking military infrastructure in Irkutsk. Authorities say the drone launch points have since been neutralized, and emergency teams are responding to the damage.

Meanwhile, diplomatic developments continued as Kyiv agreed to a fresh round of peace talks proposed by Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed a delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will attend Monday’s meeting in Istanbul.

Zelensky outlined Kyiv’s key demands ahead of the talks: an “unconditional ceasefire,” the release of prisoners, and the return of abducted Ukrainian children.