Sun Jun 01 12:32:29 UTC 2025: **Headline: Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Attack Deep Inside Russia, Targets Air Bases**

**Kyiv, Ukraine** – In a bold and unprecedented operation, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on multiple Russian military air bases Sunday, striking targets as far east as Siberia. The attack, confirmed by the governor of Russia’s Irkutsk region, marks one of the deepest penetrations of Ukrainian drones into Russian territory since the start of the conflict.

Ukrainian media reports indicate that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) orchestrated the operation, hitting over 40 Russian aircraft at four air bases simultaneously, including facilities at Olenya and Belaya. Reports claim the aircraft destroyed included Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers, and at least one A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft. While details are still emerging, this could be the most significant Ukrainian drone strike of the war.

According to a source cited by AFP, the objective of the attack was to degrade Russia’s long-range bombing capabilities by targeting enemy bombers far from the front lines. Eyewitness accounts indicate that a fire broke out at the Belaya air base following the strike.

Russian sources, including RT, have confirmed the attack in the Irkutsk region, reporting that military and civilian emergency services have been mobilized.

The operation, reportedly codenamed “Pavutyna” (Web), is intended to cripple Russia’s ability to conduct long-range strikes against Ukraine. Ukraine has been developing its drone capabilities to offset Russia’s superior missile arsenal, and has used them previously to target military and oil infrastructure.

The timing of the attack coincides with a fresh round of peace talks scheduled to begin in Istanbul on Monday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Ukraine’s participation, stating that a delegation led by minister Rustem Umerov will be attending. Zelensky also outlined Ukraine’s key objectives for the talks, including a complete ceasefire, the return of prisoners, and the repatriation of abducted children.

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