Ukraine Launches Deep Drone Strikes on Strategic Russian Bases 1,800 km Away Amid Peace Talks Preparations

Wide Ukrainian Drone Attack Hits Strategic Russian Bases Ahead of Ceasefire Talks

In a new development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, a wide-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted several Russian military airbases deep inside Russian territory on Sunday morning. The strike reportedly reached sites thousands of kilometers from the Ukrainian border, including bases in Siberia, Murmansk, and Ivanovo, just one day ahead of scheduled ceasefire talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials in Istanbul, mediated by the United States.

Coordinated Drone Operation

Locals filmed dozens of small FPV-like drones which reportedly struck multiple aircraft and other targets at the base. In short, a truck drove up to a gas station in the town next to the base and launched at least 20 drones.#BudanovApproves#OSINT pic.twitter.com/yrjEBSUT8g

— OSINT Intuit 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇮🇱 🇬🇪 (@UKikaski) June 1, 2025

According to Ukrainian officials and corroborated media reports, the operation was executed by Ukraine’s Security Service and had been in preparation for over a year. Sources told Axios that strike drones were launched from trucks covertly positioned near Russian bases, including a site located 1,800 kilometers inside Siberia.

Tu-95✈️ strategic bombers destroyed by AI or FPF -drones at Olenya airbase #Murmansk 🇷🇺#Russia pic.twitter.com/esqatais6G

— C4H10FO2P ☠️ (@markito0171) June 1, 2025

Social media videos showed FPV-type drones hovering near one of the bases prior to the strike. Other footage showed drones being launched from a truck that was later found burned near the site.

Material Losses and Conflicting Statements

Ukrainian state media reported that the attack damaged or destroyed approximately 41 Russian military aircraft, including strategic bombers of the Tupolev Tu-95 type. The operation was reportedly overseen by President Volodymyr Zelensky and carried out by the Ukrainian Security Service.

The Russian Ministry of Defense, however, stated that its air defenses intercepted drone attacks targeting facilities in the Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions. Russian authorities also announced the arrest of individuals allegedly involved in what they described as “terrorist attacks.”

Multiple Airbases Targeted

Alongside the primary strike in Siberia, reports indicated that three additional airbases were targeted: Belaya, Dyagilevo, and Ivanovo. Irkutsk regional governor Igor Kobzev confirmed that a military unit in the village of Sredny was hit, describing it as the first such attack in the Siberian region.

In Murmansk, regional governor Andrei Chibis stated that unidentified drones targeted certain locations, though no injuries were reported. He urged residents to remain calm.

Escalation and Potential Russian Response

The Ukrainian strikes coincided with increased Russian drone activity over Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities within the last 24 hours. Authorities declared air raid alerts and advised citizens to shelter in designated areas.

Ceasefire Talks Amid Tensions

These military developments come as Ukrainian President Zelensky announced that a delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will attend ceasefire talks with Russia in Istanbul, under U.S. mediation. According to Axios, Ukraine informed the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump of the operation in advance, suggesting high-level intelligence coordination.

The Ukrainian strike deep inside Russian territory marks a significant moment in the conflict, reflecting an expansion in both tactical reach and operational capability. While the escalation opens the door to potential retaliation, the outcome of the Istanbul talks may hinge on whether both parties choose to de-escalate in this critical phase.