Kyiv Deploys Drones to Hit Russian Military Targets
In a bold move that escalates tensions before scheduled peace negotiations, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) launched a drone strike against four military airfields in Russia, targeting and reportedly damaging 41 strategic bombers. This operation occurred just one day prior to anticipated talks in Istanbul aimed at negotiating a ceasefire between the two countries.
The SBU chief, Vasyl Malyuk, was closely involved in orchestrating the operation, as confirmed by an anonymous official from the agency. The UAVs successfully struck airfields located in Belaya, Diaghilev, Olenya, and Ivanovo, marking a significant offensive against Russia's military infrastructure.
According to the official, the assault—dubbed "Pavutyna"—saw Ukrainian operatives transport first-person view (FPV) drones into Russia encased within wooden structures that camouflaged their true purpose. When the timing was right, these drones were deployed to target Russian bombers, resulting in visible destruction at the airfields.
“Today will later be called the dark day of Russia's long-range aviation,” noted Russian military aviation blogger Ilya Tumanov, signifying the potential impact of the Ukraine's strikes on Russia's military capabilities.
While the Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged there were drone attacks, it downplayed the extent of the damage, asserting that only two airfields reported hits. It maintained that military bases in Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur successfully repelled any attempts on their facilities, claiming that no personnel were injured.
The Context of Escalation
This attack follows a deadly incident in which a Russian missile strike killed 12 individuals and injured over 60 at a training ground for Ukraine's Land Forces. This marked another harsh reminder of the ongoing violence in the conflict, prompting further investigations from the Ukrainian side.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Ukraine's readiness to engage in the peace talks in Istanbul, which will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Despite this, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized Russia for its dual approach of engaging in negotiations while conducting military strikes. He emphasized a lack of clarity regarding Russia’s intentions, particularly as Ukraine awaits a promised memorandum on ceasefire terms that has yet to be delivered.
"While Russia claims to be preparing for meetings to discuss peace, what it actually does is attack, terrorize, and destroy," Sybiha highlighted, denouncing Russia's behavior as untrustworthy.
Wider Implications
The recent developments reflect the volatility of the situation, with both sides entrenched in their positions. While Ukraine asserts its resolve to counter Russian aggression, Russia continues to carry out operations that result in civilian casualties—over 150 deaths attributed to drone strikes in the Kherson region.
The stakes have never been higher as Ukraine seeks international support, particularly from the U.S., for increased pressure on Russia amid continuing violations of humanitarian principles within the conflict's broader narrative.
As the world watches closely, the upcoming negotiations in Istanbul will be pivotal in determining the future dynamics of this conflict.
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