Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Strikes on Russian Air Bases Deep in Siberia
GG News Bureau
Kyiv, June 1: Ukraine carried out one of its largest drone attacks on Sunday, targeting multiple Russian air bases deep inside Siberia, thousands of kilometers from the front lines. The strike marks the first drone attack reported in the Irkutsk region of eastern Siberia.
The Russian governor of Irkutsk confirmed that Ukrainian remote-piloted drones hit a military unit in the village of Sridni, marking a significant escalation in Ukraine’s reach. Ukrainian sources claim that more than 40 Russian aircraft were destroyed in air bases across Russia’s territory, including locations in Belaya (eastern Siberia), Olenya (Arctic near Finland), and Ivanovo and Dyagilevo (east of Moscow).
According to reports by Kyiv Independent and AFP, the destroyed aircraft include strategic bombers such as Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, along with at least one A-50 early warning plane. A fire was reported at the Belaya air base following the attack, indicating extensive damage.
If verified, this strike would be the most damaging Ukrainian drone operation so far, severely impacting Moscow’s long-range strike capabilities. The operation, codenamed “Pavutyna” (Web), aims to weaken Russia’s bomber fleet far from the frontline.
RT released footage showing a drone attack on the military unit in Irkutsk, with Russian army and civilian responders mobilized to manage the incident. Authorities have reportedly blocked the drone launch site to prevent further incursions.
Ukraine has increasingly relied on drone technology to offset Russia’s larger missile arsenal, successfully targeting military and oil infrastructure inside Russia in previous operations.
In a parallel development, Russia proposed a new round of peace talks in Istanbul scheduled for Monday, which Ukraine has accepted. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a delegation led by Minister Rustem Umerov will attend, with a focus on achieving “a complete and unconditional ceasefire” and securing the return of prisoners and abducted children.
