Ukraine destroyed more than 40 military aircraft in drone attack deep inside Russia: official

Ukrainian drone attack destroys 40+ Russian planes deep in Russia, as Russia launches missiles and drones on Ukraine.

A Ukrainian drone attack has destroyed more than 40 Russian planes deep in Russia's territory, a Ukrainian security official told The Associated Press on Sunday (June 1, 2025), while Russia pounded Ukraine with missiles and drones a day before the two sides meet for a new round of direct talks in Istanbul.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose operational details, said the attack took over 1 1/2-year to execute and was personally supervised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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The operation saw drones transported in containers carried by trucks deep into Russian territory, he said.

The drones reportedly hit 41 bombers stationed at several airfields on Sunday afternoon, including the Belaya air base in Russia's Irkutsk region, more than 4,000 kilometres (2,500 miles) from Ukraine.

It is the first time that a Ukrainian drone has been seen in the region, local Gov. Igor Kobzev said. He also said in a statement that the drone had been launched from a truck.

Russian officials in the Ryazan and Murmansk regions also reported drone activity on Sunday afternoon, but did not give further details.