Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Strike on Russian Airfields Ahead of Peace Talks

Ukraine has carried out a large-scale drone attack on four Russian military airfields deep inside Siberia, striking more than 40 warplanes, including strategic bombers used to target Ukrainian cities, according to Ukrainian officials. The operation, executed ahead of peace talks in Istanbul, marks one of the most damaging drone assaults of the war so far and represents a significant escalation in the conflict.

Ukraine’s domestic intelligence agency, the SBU, claimed responsibility for the strike, stating that military aircraft worth a combined \$7 billion were damaged or destroyed. Video footage from the affected airfields showed aircraft in flames, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 strategic bombers. The Tu-95, originally developed to carry nuclear weapons, is currently used by Russia to launch long-range cruise missiles.

The drones were smuggled into Russian territory over 18 months and hidden in the roofs of wooden sheds loaded onto lorries. These mobile platforms were driven to the perimeter of the airbases, where roof panels were remotely opened to release the drones. The operation, codenamed “Spiderweb,” involved 117 drones and was executed across three Russian time zones. All personnel involved were safely withdrawn before the attack.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he had personally overseen the operation and praised its execution. “We had been preparing the operation for more than a year and a half. Planning, organisation, all the details were perfectly prepared. I can say for sure that this is a completely unique operation,” he said. Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine’s operational base inside Russia had been located “right next to the FSB office in one of (Russia’s) regions.”

Photographs released by Ukrainian security officials showed piles of quadrocopter drones in an industrial setting and images of wooden sheds with roofing panels removed, revealing drones inside. Russian Telegram channels, including Mash, circulated footage that appeared to confirm the use of mobile sheds, showing drones launching from the tops of lorries.

One video from Olenegorsk airbase in the Murmansk region captured a Russian serviceman saying, “It’s fucked here,” as bombers burned in the background. The Russian defense ministry confirmed multiple aircraft caught fire at airfields in Murmansk and Irkutsk but said there were no casualties. It added that several participants in the operation had been arrested.

The Belaya airbase in Irkutsk oblast, one of the targets, is over 2,500 miles from Ukrainian territory. The attack underscores Ukraine’s long-range drone capabilities, with officials previously claiming to have developed drones capable of flying 3,000 km.

Meanwhile, Russia reported two train derailments in the Kursk and Bryansk regions caused by explosions, which killed at least seven people and injured dozens. Russian investigators are treating the incidents as acts of terrorism. Additionally, railway tracks on the Unecha-Zhecha section in Bryansk were damaged, though no casualties were reported. Russia's vast railway network has been repeatedly targeted since the war began in 2022, due to its role in transporting troops and equipment.

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 472 drones and seven missiles overnight—the highest single-night total of drone strikes so far. At least 12 Ukrainian service members were killed, and more than 60 were injured in a Russian missile strike on a training unit.

In response to the escalating violence, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine would attend peace talks in Istanbul. He stated that Defence Minister Rustem Umerov would lead the delegation and outlined Ukraine’s demands, including a complete and unconditional ceasefire and the return of prisoners and abducted children.

Reuters reported that Ukrainian negotiators would present a roadmap for a peace settlement starting from the current frontline. The proposal includes no restrictions on Ukraine’s future military capacity, no recognition of Russian sovereignty over occupied Ukrainian territory, and demands for reparations.

U.S. President Donald Trump has put pressure on both sides to end the war, warning that continued conflict could result in the U.S. withdrawing support, potentially leaving Kyiv reliant solely on European aid.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his conditions for ending the war, which include Ukraine abandoning its NATO ambitions and withdrawing from four Ukrainian regions currently under Russian control.