Ukraine's Bold Drone Strike: 41 Russian Warplanes Destroyed in Deep-Strike Operation

Ukraine's Drone Strike on Russian Airbases: A Year-and-a-Half Operation On June 1st, 2025, Ukraine launched a covert drone operation targeting Russian air bases, marking the largest single-day attack on Russian territory since the war began. The operation, involving over 100 drones smuggled into Russia, resulted in the destruction of 41 warplanes, according to Ukraine's Security Service (SBU). Video footage shows burning aircraft and extensive damage at the Olenogorsk airbase. The attack occurred just hours after two Russian bridges were destroyed, raising concerns about escalating tensions. Marina Miron, an international security expert, noted the complexity of the operation, stating, "There are many components to this. First of all, we don't know how many failed attempts there have been, maybe on other targets." The operation's success highlights Ukraine's evolving military tactics and its capacity to strike deep within Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the operation, calling it "brilliant" in a video address. He emphasized that the targets were military assets used to attack Ukraine. Russia has condemned the attack as a "terrorist act" and claims to have repelled multiple attacks. The incident underscores the ongoing conflict's intensity and raises questions about the potential for further escalation. The upcoming talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials on Monday, to discuss a ceasefire, take on added significance in light of these events.