Chicago – June 01, 2025
A Ukrainian drone attack has destroyed over 40 Russian planes deep inside Russia, according to a Ukrainian security official speaking to The Associated Press on Sunday. The strike took place just one day before both countries were scheduled to meet in Istanbul for peace talks.
The official, who asked to remain anonymous, said the attack had been planned for over a year and was personally overseen by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Drones were transported in containers on trucks and sent deep into Russia, hitting airfields such as the Belaya air base in the Irkutsk region, which is more than 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) from Ukraine. It was the first time a Ukrainian drone had reached that area, according to local Governor Igor Kobzeva, who added that the attack did not endanger civilians.
The news of the attack came on the same day that President Zelenskyy announced Ukraine’s delegation would travel to Istanbul for peace talks with Russia. Zelenskyy said Defense Minister Rustem Umerov would lead the Ukrainian team. He emphasized that Ukraine was doing everything necessary to protect its independence, people, and country.
Ukrainian officials had previously urged Russia to provide a document outlining their position on ending the war before the talks. Moscow had promised to share this document during the upcoming discussions.
