Ukraine Launches Major Drone Strike on Russian Air Bases, Hits Over 40 Warplanes

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Ukraine carried out one of its largest drone attacks of the war on Sunday, targeting Russian military aircraft at multiple air bases, according to a senior Ukrainian security official who spoke to Reuters.

The operation, reportedly orchestrated by Ukraine’s SBU domestic intelligence agency, struck four Russian airfields simultaneously, damaging or destroying more than 40 aircraft — including long-range strategic bombers such as the Tu-95 and Tu-22. These bombers have frequently been used by Russia to launch missile strikes deep into Ukrainian territory.

If confirmed, this would mark the most damaging Ukrainian drone assault since the war began, delivering a significant blow to Moscow’s long-range air strike capabilities.

The unnamed official provided video footage appearing to show several aircraft engulfed in flames, some identifiable as Tu-95 bombers. However, Reuters noted it could not independently verify the authenticity of the claims or the visuals.

Facing a shortage of long-range missiles, Ukraine has ramped up the development and deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to strike Russian military and energy infrastructure, shifting the dynamics of the conflict.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain uncertain. Russia has proposed new peace talks in Istanbul scheduled for Monday, but Kyiv has yet to confirm its participation.