Ukraine Launches Large-Scale Drone Attacks on Five Russian Strategic Airfields
Moscow confirms majority of strikes repelled with no casualties, calls campaign a coordinated act of sabotage aimed at derailing peace efforts
Russia, PUREWILAYAH.COM - On Sunday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that multiple military airfields across five regions—including Siberia and the Far East—were targeted in a coordinated drone attack launched by Ukraine.
According to Moscow, the majority of these strikes were successfully intercepted, with only minor material damage and no reported casualties.
The affected regions include Murmansk (north), Ivanovo and Ryazan (central Russia), Irkutsk (Siberia), and Amur (Far East). This marks the first time in over three years that Ukrainian forces have attempted to strike such deep into Russian territory—an act that Moscow characterizes as reckless and politically motivated.
Ukrainian Drones Launched From Russian Soil Using Concealed Platforms
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that the attack utilized first-person view (FPV) kamikaze drones, many of which were launched from within Russian territory, using camouflaged trucks equipped with container-based launch systems.
Footage released by the Shot Telegram channel shows several UAVs emerging from containers in Irkutsk Region, followed by visible plumes of smoke.
Civilians and police reportedly attempted to down the drones, with some using small arms and even throwing stones, underscoring the reckless endangerment of public safety posed by the operation.
Moscow: Ukraine Engaged in Terror-Style Sabotage
The Russian Defense Ministry condemned the attack as a “terrorist operation” carried out by the Kiev regime, particularly noting its proximity to civilian areas and infrastructure. According to Russian officials, the drones were intended to strike aircraft and facilities vital to strategic defense and national security.
Investigators have already identified the vehicles involved, many of which were registered in Chelyabinsk Region, and raided a warehouse suspected of storing drone components and launch containers.
Operation "Spiderweb": A Year-Long Provocation Ahead of Peace Talks
Ukrainian media outlets described the operation as part of a long-planned initiative dubbed “Spiderweb”, allegedly prepared by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) over a span of 18 months. The plan was reportedly overseen by President Volodymyr Zelensky, who claimed that 117 drones were deployed to strike Russian airfields.
Russian officials say the timing is no coincidence: the attacks came just one day before scheduled peace talks in Istanbul—the first such negotiations after a three-year hiatus.
“These actions show Kiev’s intent to sabotage any meaningful diplomatic process,” a Russian diplomatic source stated.
Minimal Damage, No Casualties—Moscow Downplays Ukrainian Claims
While Ukrainian sources claimed that around 40 aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M strategic bombers, were damaged in the strike, the Russian Defense Ministry refuted any significant loss, stating that:
In Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur, all drones were repelled.
In Murmansk and Irkutsk, some minor fires occurred but were quickly extinguished.
No personnel were harmed, and no aircraft were lost.
Botched Attack in Amur Results in Fatal Explosion
Russian media also reported that one of the drone-laden trucks exploded prematurely in Amur Region, killing the driver.
Identified as Vasily P., 62, the man reportedly noticed the fire in his vehicle and attempted to intervene before the container detonated.
The incident, occurring a day before the main attack, serves as further evidence of the dangerous and uncontrolled nature of Kiev’s drone operations, according to Russian security officials.
Bridge Sabotage and Civilian Deaths Add to Escalation
The drone attacks were followed by two separate acts of sabotage on Russian railway infrastructure:
In Bryansk Region, a rail bridge collapsed, killing seven and injuring over 60.
In Kursk Region, another bridge failed under a freight train, injuring three.
The Russian Investigative Committee confirmed both incidents were due to explosives, and Senator Andrey Klishas pointed directly at Kiev as the culprit.
Diplomatic Dialogue Undermined by Violence
The timing of the attacks raises serious questions about Ukraine’s commitment to peace negotiations. Just days before the drone campaign, both sides had agreed on a prisoner swap involving 1,000 POWs each, with a new round of peace proposals expected in Istanbul.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the drone strikes as a deliberate attempt to derail peace efforts, accusing the Ukrainian leadership of choosing escalation over diplomacy.
Conclusion: Strategic Impact Minimal, Political Motives Clear
Despite Ukraine’s claims of success, Russian authorities maintain that the attacks had little military impact but revealed clear political intentions: to disrupt peace negotiations, sow chaos within Russian borders, and provoke retaliation.
Moscow vows to continue investigations, hold perpetrators accountable, and safeguard its strategic infrastructure—while still pursuing constructive dialogue on the condition of mutual respect and non-aggression. (PW)
Source: RT News