Ukraine has executed a major drone operation, striking multiple military airbases deep within Russian territory in what is being described as the largest single-day attack of its kind since the conflict began. The coordinated strikes on Sunday targeted several regions, including Murmansk, Irkutsk, and Ryazan, aiming at airfields that house Russia's strategic bombers.
Russia's Defence Ministry confirmed the attacks, stating that while its air defenses intercepted most drones, fires broke out at airfields in the Murmansk and Irkutsk regions, damaging several aircraft before being extinguished.
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility, stating the special operation successfully hit numerous Russian military planes. According to Ukrainian media, the mission, named "Spiderweb," was over a year and a half in the making and involved drones smuggled deep into Russia. Reports cited an SBU source claiming at least 41 heavy bombers were hit.
The attacks come just ahead of peace talks scheduled to begin in Istanbul on Monday. Ukraine is sending a delegation led by its defense minister, with priorities including a complete ceasefire and the return of prisoners. The timing of this large-scale operation is seen as a significant move by Kyiv as both sides prepare to negotiate.
In other developments, a highway bridge in Russia's Bryansk region was blown up as a passenger train passed over it, an incident Russian officials are treating as terrorism. Concurrently, Russia claims to have made its fastest monthly battlefield advance in at least six months.
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