Moscow confirms fires at multiple airfields after Ukraine’s unprecedented drone assault, ahead of peace talks in Istanbul.
June-2, 2025: Ukraine carried out one of its largest drone attacks yet on Sunday, striking five Russian air bases deep inside the country and causing fires that damaged over 40 aircraft, according to Ukrainian sources.
The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed the attacks on airfields in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur, though it claimed to have repelled some of the strikes and reported no casualties.
The operation, code-named “Pavutyna” or “Spider Web,” saw drones targeting long-range bomber bases in a bid to degrade Russia’s aerial strike capabilities. According to Ukraine, strategic bombers including nuclear-capable TU-95 and TU-22 aircraft were hit.
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The most significant damage was reported at the Belaya air base, with footage of fires emerging online. The Irkutsk region’s governor confirmed a rare attack on a military unit in the village of Sridni — the first such incident in Siberia.
The Russian Defence Ministry stated that “some aircraft caught fire,” but that the blazes had been extinguished and some of the attackers were detained.
How the Attack Was Coordinated
Ukrainian sources told AFP the operation had been a year in the making, with drones concealed in mobile wooden sheds placed on cargo trucks. At precise moments, the truck roofs opened remotely to launch drones towards the targeted bases.
Despite Russia’s vast arsenal of missiles, Ukraine has relied on a large fleet of attack drones to strike far behind enemy lines. These tactics have targeted both military and oil infrastructure in the past.
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Peace Talks Amid Escalation
The drone assault comes on the eve of renewed peace negotiations in Istanbul. Kremlin aide Vladimir Medynsky is leading the Russian delegation, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that his Minister Rustem Umerov will head Kyiv’s team.
“I have also defined our position before the Monday meeting in Istanbul,” Zelensky said on social media, adding that Ukraine’s goals include a “complete and unconditional ceasefire” and the return of prisoners and abducted children.
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Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine drone attack, Russian airbases, Pavutyna operation, Ukrainian drones, Russian military aircraft, TU-95 bombers, TU-22 bombers, peace talks Istanbul, Volodymyr Zelensky, Kremlin, Vladimir Medynsky, Ukraine security service, military drone warfare, Russia military response, geopolitical tensions