Kyiv: As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, Kyiv has reportedly launched a significant drone offensive targeting Russian military assets. According to reports, Ukraine deployed a swarm of FPV drones aimed at more than 40 Russian aircraft, including strategic bombers, and struck the Olenya and Belaya airbases.
Officials speaking to Reuters said the operation was carried out by Ukraine’s Security Service, the SBU. The Kyiv Independent cited an SBU official saying, “Right now, the Security Service of Ukraine is conducting a large-scale special operation to destroy enemy bomber aircraft in the rear of the Russian Federation. SBU drones are practicing on aircraft that bomb Ukrainian cities every night. Currently, more than 40 aircraft are known to have been hit, including the A-50, Tu-95 and Tu-22 M3.”
According to Reuters, the drones struck Russian Tu-95 and Tu-22 aircraft—both strategic bombers known for launching long-range missile attacks on Ukraine.
Separately, on Sunday, seven people lost their lives and 30 others were injured after a train derailed near Ukraine’s border. Moscow Railway attributed the incident to sabotage, alleging that the derailment and bridge collapse were caused by “illegal interference in transport operations.”
Before the Ukrainian drone strikes, Ukraine’s Air Force had reported that Russia launched an overnight assault involving approximately 109 drones and five missiles across Ukrainian territory.
Meanwhile, peace talks between the two nations are scheduled to begin on Monday in Istanbul, Turkey. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism over Russia’s intentions. He said, “For a meeting to be meaningful, its agenda must be clear, and the negotiations must be properly prepared.”
