Ukraine conducts significant airstrikes on Russian military bases, showcasing notable offensive capabilities in recent operations.
On Sunday, Ukrainian forces conducted a series of drone strikes targeting military airbases within the heart of Russia, marking a significant escalation just one day prior to scheduled peace negotiations in Istanbul between the two nations. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed that these assault operations were aimed at military airfields across five regions, resulting in multiple aircraft igniting.
The strikes were executed in the Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions, with air defenses successfully intercepting attempts in three of the five locations. However, in the Murmansk and Irkutsk regions, drone launches reportedly resulted in several aircraft catching fire. The military’s assessment noted that the first-person-view (FPV) drones utilized in these strikes are equipped with cameras, allowing operators to direct their movements in real-time.
While the fires at the affected airbases were quickly extinguished and no casualties were reported, the Russian Defence Ministry indicated that several individuals associated with the attacks had been apprehended. This assault comes amidst an uptick in drone operations characterized as audacious by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who hailed the event on social media as “absolutely brilliant.”
Zelenskyy announced that over 117 drones were involved in striking the Russian bases, asserting significant losses for Russia with consequences that are “justifiable.” The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) estimated damages to Russian military resources at around billion, with critical targets including the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk and the Olenya airbase further north.
Ukrainian media speculated that the operation was executed by the SBU utilizing drones smuggled and concealed within trucks deep inside Russian territory. Reports suggested that at least 41 Russian heavy bombers were targeted, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 models, which are instrumental in launching long-range missiles into Ukrainian urban areas.
This assertive operation underscores an intensified phase of hostilities between the two nations, with each side ramping up drone attacks. The ongoing conflict witnessed waves of reciprocal strikes, with Russia deploying over 900 kamikaze drones in a single week, leading to tragic civilian casualties while Ukraine’s offensive has increasingly penetrated Russian territory.
As peace talks commenced in Istanbul, Ukrainian officials, led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, entered discussions with clearly defined priorities, including an unconditional ceasefire and the repatriation of prisoners and abducted children. While both parties continue to navigate complex diplomatic channels, the prospect for substantive resolutions remains fragile amidst the dynamic battlefield developments.
The international community continues to observe these proceedings closely, underscoring the need for an urgent and lasting peace, not only for the involved nations but for broader regional stability.
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