Ukraine targets Russian military bases: A look at Kyiv’s boldest strikes
Ukrainian attacks on four Russian airbases signal a sharp escalation in cross border operations ahead of peace talks in Türkiye
In a bold escalation ahead of peace talks in Istanbul, Ukrainian drones targeted multiple Russian military airbases on Sunday, striking deep into Russian territory.
According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, Ukrainian forces launched drone strikes across five regions Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur causing fires at some airfields and damaging several aircraft. The ministry reported that air defences intercepted the drones in all but two regions: Murmansk and Irkutsk.
"In the Murmansk and Irkutsk regions, FPV drones launched from close proximity to airfields caused several aircraft to catch fire," said the Russian Defence Ministry. FPV (first-person view) drones are guided remotely using live video feeds.
The fires were extinguished without casualties, and authorities claimed to have detained individuals allegedly involved in the attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the operation as “absolutely brilliant” in a Telegram post Sunday night.
Massive Operation and Strategic Targets
Zelenskyy revealed that 117 drones were used in Sunday’s strikes, describing them as a justified response to recent Russian aggression.
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) stated it had inflicted damage worth $7 billion by targeting Russian airbases located thousands of kilometres from the frontlines. Notably, the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk some 4,300 km from Ukraine and the Olenya airbase in Murmansk1,800 km away were among the targets.
Reports in Ukrainian media suggested the drones had been covertly transported into Russia hidden inside trucks. These strikes reportedly hit at least 41 heavy Russian bombers, including the long-range Tu-95 and Tu-22 aircraft used in missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Though Russia has not officially confirmed the extent of the damage, Sunday’s attacks are being seen as Ukraine’s most impactful drone offensive since the war began.
Mutual Escalation Amid Peace Efforts
Both nations have intensified their drone warfare in recent days. Russia reportedly launched over 900 kamikaze drones and 92 missiles last week, killing at least 16 civilians. In response, Ukraine conducted strikes on military facilities in Tula, Alabuga, and Tatarstan using around 800 drones.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov led a delegation to Istanbul on Monday for peace negotiations with Russian officials. The previous round of talks on May 16 had led to a mutual exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war.
Ukraine has entered the talks seeking a “complete and unconditional ceasefire,” the return of abducted children, and the repatriation of prisoners. Zelenskyy, who remains sceptical of Russia’s intentions, said Ukraine had set clear priorities for the meeting.
Russia, for its part, rejected Türkiye’s proposal to elevate the meeting to the presidential level and instead presented its own terms.
The Istanbul talks were reportedly motivated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for a swift resolution to the conflict. However, the meeting concluded without a major breakthrough.
Trump, expressing frustration at the continued violence, criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin in a May 25 post: “Something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” The U.S. president has yet to comment on Ukraine’s latest drone strikes.
A Pattern of High-Profile Strikes
Sunday’s strikes are part of a broader pattern of high-risk Ukrainian operations targeting strategic Russian infrastructure since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Crimea Bridge Attacks (2022 & 2023):
Ukraine struck the symbolic Kerch Bridge twice first with a truck bomb in October 2022, and again with sea drones in July 2023, killing two civilians and injuring a child. The bridge, a vital supply route for Russian forces, had been a personal project of Putin’s.
Black Sea Fleet Attacks (2023):
In September, Ukraine launched drone and missile attacks on key Russian naval installations in Crimea. The most damaging blow came on September 22, when Ukraine hit the fleet’s headquarters in Sevastopol, claiming to have killed 34 officers, including Fleet Commander Admiral Viktor Sokolov.
Kremlin Drone Attack (2023):
In May, drones exploded over the Kremlin’s citadel in a daring symbolic strike. Moscow labeled it an assassination attempt on Putin. While Zelenskyy denied Ukrainian involvement, Western analysts suspect Ukrainian special forces were behind the operation.
Kursk Region Incursions (2024–2025):
In August 2024, Ukrainian forces surprised Moscow by launching a ground incursion into the Kursk region, temporarily seizing around 1,400 square kilometres. A second wave followed in January 2025, but Ukraine later suffered setbacks as the U.S. paused military aid. Russia has since regained most of the lost territory.
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