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Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has allegedly carried out a mass drone attack at Russian airfields on 1 June.
Citing an unnamed source at the SBU, Ukrainian media are reporting that “over 40” Russian strategic bombers have been hit in areas considered to “deep rear”.
Videos provided by the source shows what appears to be a row of heavy bomber aircraft on fire at an undisclosed location.
According to the Ukrainian media outlets which reported the strikes, the operation, dubbed “Web” (Pavutyna), targeted four airfields: Dyagilevo in Riazan region, Ivanovo in Ivanovo region, Belaya air base in Russia’s Irkutsk region, which is located in south-eastern Siberia over 4,000km east of the frontline, and Olenya air base in Russia’s Murmansk region, around 2,000km away from Ukraine’s border.
In March, Ukraine announced it had developed a new type of drone that can reach a range of up to 3,000 kilometres, but gave no details about its type or the size of its warhead.
Recent satellite images show various Russian strategic bombers at the four bases that were allegedly hit during the operation, including Tu-95, Tu-22M3, Tu-160 and A-50.
Tu-95, Tu-22 and Tu-160 are Russian heavy bombers regularly used by Moscow to launch missiles at Ukraine.
The Tu-22M3 is capable of carrying Kh-22 and Kh-32 cruise missiles, travelling at a speed of 4,000 km/h, exceeding Mach 4.
Tu-95 – the oldest among them – it is a Soviet-era plane, originally used to carry nuclear bombs but since modified to launch cruise missiles.
A-50 is radar detection aircraft, which can detect air defense systems, guided missiles, and coordinate targets for Russian fighter jets.
Ukrainian authorities have not yet commented on the operation.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier said he was meeting with the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the General Staff and SBU.
“We are doing everything to protect our independence, our state, and our people,” Zelenskyy said, adding that would be outlining “tasks for the near term” and “define our positions ahead of the meeting in Istanbul on Monday.”
Ukrainian and Russian officials are schedule to meet in Istanbul on Monday 2 June for the second round of talks between the two sides.
Zelenskyy said Kyiv’s utmost priority is unconditional ceasefire, followed by the release of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children that were forcefully deported by Russia.