In a major escalation of its drone warfare campaign, Ukraine on Sunday launched one of its most extensive unmanned aerial operations against Russia, targeting military airbases deep inside Russian territory, including one in eastern Siberia—thousands of kilometers from the front lines.
The governor of Russia’s Irkutsk region confirmed the attack, stating that Ukrainian drones struck a military facility in the village of Sridni. This marks the first known Ukrainian drone strike in Siberia, indicating a significant expansion in the reach of Kyiv's drone operations.
According to Ukrainian media reports, the large-scale special operation was carried out by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), targeting airbases in the rear of the Russian Federation. Citing officials reported that at least four Russian military airfields were simultaneously hit in the coordinated assault, including Olenya and Belaya.
The Kyiv Independent, citing SBU sources, said that more than 40 Russian aircraft were impacted in the strikes. Among the targeted aircraft were strategic bombers such as the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, along with at least one A-50 airborne early warning plane. Sources said the operation aimed to neutralise enemy bombers far from the frontline, reducing Russia’s capacity to launch long-range strikes on Ukrainian cities. The same source noted that a fire had broken out at the Belaya airbase following the attack.
If independently confirmed, the operation would mark the most damaging Ukrainian drone assault since the war began, potentially delivering a significant blow to Russia’s airstrike capabilities. Russian state outlet RT released a video showing a drone attacking a military unit in the Irkutsk region. Emergency responders and military personnel were mobilised in response, and authorities claim to have blocked the drone’s launch source.
The operation was reportedly conducted under the code name “Pavutyna” (Ukrainian for “Web”), aimed at weakening Russia’s long-range offensive potential. Ukraine, lacking a large stockpile of cruise or ballistic missiles, has increasingly relied on its growing fleet of long-range FPV (First Person View) attack drones to hit strategic Russian military and energy infrastructure.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are also underway. Russia has proposed new ceasefire talks in Istanbul, which Ukraine has agreed to attend. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will travel to Turkey on Monday for negotiations.
“I have also defined our position before the Monday meeting in Istanbul,” Zelenskyy said in a post on social media. “Our priorities remain a complete and unconditional ceasefire, the return of prisoners, and the repatriation of abducted children.”
Also Read: Israel strikes kill 60 in Gaza; Arab nations condemn visit ban
Follow us
