Ukraine Destroys 40 Russian Warplanes Before Peace Talks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukraine launched a covert drone operation destroying over 40 Russian aircraft at airfields deep within Russia. The dramatic attack came just before peace talks in Istanbul, with Ukraine revealing unprecedented tactics. Russia retaliated with its largest drone assault since the war began.
Ukraine Drone Strike Quick Looks
- Ukraine destroys 41 Russian warplanes in a deep strike operation
- Codename “Web” mission took over 18 months to plan and execute
- Drones were smuggled and hidden in mobile wooden houses inside Russia
- Aircraft destroyed included Tu-95, Tu-22M, and A-50 bombers
- Operation estimated to cost Russia $7 billion in damages
- Russia confirms damage at airfields in Irkutsk, Murmansk, and Amur
- Comes just before peace talks in Istanbul on Monday
- Russia retaliated with record 472 drone launches and 7 missile strikes
- Strike killed 12 Ukrainian troops, injuring over 60 others
- U.S. not informed beforehand, officials call it highly sophisticated
Deep Look: Ukraine Destroys Over 40 Russian Warplanes in Major Covert Strike Ahead of Peace Talks
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — In a bold and complex covert operation, Ukrainian drones destroyed more than 40 Russian aircraft deep inside Russian territory on Sunday, marking one of the most significant blows to Russia’s military infrastructure since the war began in 2022. The strike, which coincided with a planned round of peace talks in Istanbul, was hailed by Kyiv as a strategic breakthrough in the fight against Moscow’s aerial dominance.
The operation, codenamed “Web”, had been in development for over 18 months, involving elaborate smuggling and camouflage tactics. A senior Ukrainian military official, speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, revealed that the mission had been personally overseen by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy Confirms Operation’s Scale and Purpose
In a national address, Zelenskyy confirmed that 117 first-person view (FPV) drones were used in the coordinated attack. He revealed that the mission’s command center was based next to a Russian FSB office, emphasizing the depth of Ukrainian infiltration.
The drones were hidden inside wooden mobile houses, which were transported by trucks across Russian regions. When the time came, the rooftops were remotely opened, allowing drones to launch directly at Russian airfields, targeting long-range bombers and surveillance planes.
Aircraft Losses Devastate Russian Capabilities
The Ukrainian military claimed the attack destroyed:
- A-50 surveillance aircraft
- Tupolev Tu-95 long-range strategic bombers
- Tu-22M medium bombers
These aircraft are central to Russia’s long-range strike capabilities and have been heavily used in missile campaigns against Ukraine. Ukrainian security services estimate the loss represents 34% of Russia’s missile carrier fleet, with a damage value of over $7 billion—a claim that remains unverified independently.
Russian Defense Ministry Confirms Strikes
Russia’s Defense Ministry acknowledged the strikes, noting aircraft damage and fires at military airbases in:
- Irkutsk (over 4,000 km from Ukraine)
- Murmansk
- Amur, in Russia’s Far East
- Ivanovo and Ryazan, in western Russia
The strikes demonstrate a stunning expansion of Ukrainian operational range. U.S. officials were not informed in advance, though Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was briefed shortly afterward at Nellis Air Force Base. A senior Pentagon official described the mission as showing “a new level of sophistication”.
Russian Infrastructure Also Hit by Explosions
On the same day, explosions collapsed two bridges and derailed two trains in western Russia, killing seven people and injuring dozens. Russia’s Investigative Committee initially blamed explosions but later scrubbed the term from their statement, further shrouding the events in ambiguity.
Peace Talks Scheduled in Istanbul
President Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov would lead a delegation to Istanbul on Monday for renewed peace negotiations with Russia. Ukraine requested a preliminary memorandum from the Kremlin outlining its negotiation stance—an outline Moscow said it would deliver during the talks.
Despite the bold military escalation, Zelenskyy insisted Kyiv remains committed to dialogue:
“We are doing everything to protect our independence, our state and our people,” he stated on Telegram.
Russia’s Largest Drone Barrage Since 2022 Invasion
In a fierce response, Russia launched its largest drone and missile barrage against Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022:
- 472 drones were deployed
- 7 missiles launched in coordinated waves
The Ukrainian air force described the onslaught as unprecedented in scope. One of the most devastating impacts occurred when a Russian missile struck a Ukrainian army training unit, killing 12 service members and injuring over 60.
Commander Resigns After Casualties
In a significant fallout, respected Ukrainian army commander Mykhailo Drapatyi submitted his resignation. Drapatyi had been instrumental in regaining territory during Ukraine’s 2022 eastern counteroffensive. His departure underscores the human toll of the latest Russian retaliation.
War’s Human Cost Escalates
The conflict’s ripple effects now reach deep into Europe and Russia, where unconventional warfare like drone strikes and sabotage have become a new normal.
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