Ukraine's Drone Blitz Targets Russian Airbases in Escalating Conflict

Ukraine launched a daring wave of drone strikes on Russian military airbases Sunday, targeting strategic facilities in Olenya, Murmansk, and Belaya, Siberia, in a bold escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) claimed the attacks damaged nuclear-capable bombers, disrupting Russia’s air operations just hours before ceasefire talks in Istanbul. Russia confirmed strikes on two bases but downplayed their impact, as tensions soar ahead of delicate negotiations.

Drone Strikes Target Russia’s Air Power

The SBU’s operation, dubbed “Spiderweb,” hit Olenya and Belaya airbases, targeting Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and A-50 aircraft critical to Russia’s bombing campaigns. Ukrainian officials claimed additional strikes on Diaghilev (Ryazan) and Ivanovo airbases, asserting over 40 aircraft were destroyed with damages estimated at $2 billion.

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed explosions and fires at Olenya and Belaya but said attacks on other sites were repelled, reporting no casualties. The drones, reportedly concealed in trucks with retractable roofs, were deployed after months of covert planning, highlighting Ukraine’s advanced drone warfare capabilities. Independent verification of the full extent of damage remains limited.

Did You Know?
Ukraine produces over 1 million drones yearly, including AI-guided models that struck Russia’s Olenya airbase on June 1, 2025, targeting nuclear-capable bombers.

Infrastructure Attacks Disrupt Russian Operations

Ukraine’s offensive extended to key Russian infrastructure. On May 22, 2025, a drone strike damaged the Bolkhov Semiconductor Plant in Oryol, a vital supplier for Russian missile systems. A January 31, 2025, attack on the Volgograd Refinery sparked a fire, though Russia claimed it was quickly contained.

In December 2024, a missile strike on a Russian command bunker in Lgov, Kursk, killed eight and injured 22, signaling Ukraine’s intent to cripple Moscow’s war machine. These strikes aim to disrupt Russia’s logistics, though analysts debate their strategic impact amid ongoing Russian assaults on Ukraine.

ALSO READ | Trump Warns Putin’s Ukraine Ambitions Could Spell Russia’s “Downfall”

Ceasefire Talks Hang in the Balance

The attacks precede critical ceasefire talks in Istanbul on June 2, 2025, where Ukraine demands Russia submit a memorandum outlining terms. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of stalling, while Russia insists on addressing NATO expansion. Germany’s decision to lift range limits on weapons supplied to Ukraine has enabled deeper strikes, escalating tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump, informed of the operation beforehand, warned of potential sanctions if talks fail, though no new measures were announced. Ukraine’s bold moves may strengthen its diplomatic hand but risk provoking Russian retaliation, complicating peace efforts.