Ukrainian drone attack destroys over 40 planes across Russia

KYIV, Ukraine — A Ukrainian drone attack has destroyed more than 40 Russian planes deep in Russia’s territory, a Ukrainian security official tells The Associated Press, while Russia pounded Ukraine with missiles and drones a day before the two sides meet for a new round of direct talks in Istanbul.

The official, who speaks on condition of anonymity to disclose operational details, said the attack took over 1 1/2-year to execute and was personally supervised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The operation saw drones transported in containers carried by trucks deep into Russian territory, he says. The drones reportedly hit 41 bombers stationed at several airfields on Sunday afternoon, including the Belaya air base in Russia’s Irkutsk region, more than 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) from Ukraine.

It is the first time that a Ukrainian drone has been seen in the region, local Gov. Igor Kobzev says. He also says in a statement that the drone had been launched from a truck. Russian officials in the Ryazan and Murmansk regions also report drone activity in the afternoon, but do not give further details.

Ukrainian SBU security service sources tell @FT the agency is conducting "a large-scale special operation to destroy enemy bomber aircraft" deep inside Russia.

"SBU drones are targeting aircraft that bomb Ukrainian cities every night. At this point, more than 40 aircraft have… pic.twitter.com/a3YwQB8ZC5

— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) June 1, 2025