Over 40 bombers hit in Ukraine’s massive drone attack on Russian airbases: Report

At least 40 Russian bombers and military aircraft were reportedly hit in an operation by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) on Sunday (June 1) in a drone attack that targeted several air bases near the frontlines, reported Reuters, citing sources in the security agency.

The Ukrainian media has also reported the development, citing sources from the SBU.

“Enemy strategic bombers are burning en masse in Russia — this is the result of a special operation by the SBU,” a source told the Kyiv Independent.

“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,” the source added.

“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 reports, one of the airbases that suffered major damage was Belaya air base in Russia’s Irkutsk Oblast.

The governor of Russia’s Murmansk Oblast confirmed that “enemy drones have attacked the territory of the Murmansk region” without providing further details.

None of the claims made by the sources could be verified independently.

Russian state-backed news broadcaster RT reported that several drones targeted a military installation in Irkutsk Region, central Russia. Local Governor Igor Kobzev said it was the first UAV raid in Siberia.

This Ukrainian drone attack came a week after Russian forces unleashed 367 drones and missiles across Ukrainian cities, marking the war’s largest aerial attack to date.

Although Ukraine’s air force shot down 266 drones and 45 missiles, the damage was extensive, affecting apartment blocks and infrastructure significantly.

The Russian attack followed Moscow’s claim of intercepting and destroying about 100 Ukrainian unmanned weapons, some targeting the capital, just hours earlier.

The Defence Ministry stated that its air defence units intercepted or destroyed 95 Ukrainian drones over four hours, including two near Moscow, with the majority downed over Russia’s central and southern regions.

These recent clashes occurred as the US urged Russia at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to agree to a comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine, describing it as “Russia’s best possible outcome” and encouraging President Vladimir Putin to pursue peace.

The US proposal, already accepted by Ukraine, involves a 30-day cessation of all hostilities—covering land, air, sea, and attacks on critical infrastructure—pending Russia’s approval.