On Sunday, June 1, Ukraine dealt a significant blow to the Russian air force by launching a large-scale drone attack that reportedly destroyed over 40 Russian aircraft, according to Ukrainian sources.
This assault coincided with the upcoming Kyiv-Moscow negotiations scheduled in Constantinople, where both delegations are set to convene.
This is not the first instance of Ukraine targeting Russian airfields, which house strategically important aircraft. However, this operation seems to be the most extensive and successful venture deep within Russian territory.
Codenamed “Pavutyna” (“Spiderweb”), the operation targeted at least four Russian air bases: Belaya, Dyagilevo, Olenya, and Ivanovo.
These bases are significantly distant from Ukraine’s borders: Dyagilevo is 700 km away, Ivanovo 900 km, Olenya 2,000 km, and Belaya an astonishing 4,700 km.
Reports indicate that among the destroyed aircraft are Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers, as well as A-50 airborne early warning planes.
Unverified images circulating online depict several Russian strategic bombers (Tu-95MS) engulfed in flames. No official reports have yet been made by Russia concerning this attack.
According to Sky News, the operation was executed by Ukraine’s intelligence service, the SBU, with drones aimed at aircraft responsible for bombarding Ukrainian cities at night.
https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1929151712071188829
Social media reports suggest that the drones were concealed in trucks and launched from short distances near the targeted bases.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Set to Travel to Turkey
Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will attend peace talks with Russia in Turkey.
During the meeting, Zelensky outlined Ukraine’s stance ahead of the Istanbul talks, emphasizing demands for:
1. A complete and unconditional ceasefire,
2. The release of prisoners,
3. The return of abducted children.
In a social media post, Zelensky noted that Umerov would also suggest preparations for a future meeting between himself and Vladimir Putin, stating, “The key issues can only be resolved by the leaders.”
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