Ukrainian Drone Attack Destroys Over 40 Russian Planes Ahead of Peace Talks

Ukrainian drone strikes destroyed over 40 Russian planes ahead of peace talks. The operation was overseen by President Zelensky and involved complex tactics. Russia confirmed some damage and casualties. Tensions escalate as both sides prepare for negotiations amidst ongoing violence.

Authorities in Kyiv announced a Ukrainian drone strike that has reportedly destroyed over 40 Russian aircraft within Russian territory, according to the Security Service of Ukraine. This significant escalation comes as tensions rise ahead of impending peace talks in Istanbul. A military official, entering into anonymity to maintain operational security, shared details with The Associated Press, stating that the drone mission took an extensive year and a half to prepare and was directly overseen by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In his recent address, Zelensky revealed that the operation utilized a total of 117 drones and was coordinated from an office adjacent to the FSB—Russia’s intelligence agency headquarters. Reportedly, the plan required the smuggling of first-person view (FPV) drones into Russia, which were then strategically concealed in mobile wooden structures. The plans unfolded as these drones were positioned on trucks under these disguises and launched when the rooftops were remotely opened, targeting Russian bombers.

Footage surfacing on social media, shared by Russian outlets, appeared to depict these drones emerging from concealed containers, prompting some individuals to climb onto trucks in a futile attempt to stop them. Observers reported that the drones effectively struck 41 military planes at various airfields, with the targeted aircraft including A-50, Tu-95, and Tu-22M bombers, known for launching missiles against Ukraine. The Ukrainian Security Service estimated that this operation, dubbed “Web,” has eradicated 34 percent of Russia’s air missile carrier fleet, causing damages projected at around $7 billion, though independent verification of these claims remains lacking.

Acknowledgment from Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed damage to aircraft, including fires at air bases spanning the Irkutsk region and the more northern Murmansk area, over 4,000 kilometers away from Ukraine. Reports indicated that additional strikes were obstructed in the Amur region along with Ivanovo and Ryazan. In a separate briefing at Nellis Air Force Base, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that the attack represented an unexpected level of sophistication, with American officials indicating they were not made aware prior to the event.

Meanwhile, other violent incidents rattled western Russia as the Investigative Committee disclosed that explosions caused two bridges to collapse and derailed two trains. This confusion was compounded as seven people were declared dead and many more injured, yet officials retracted initial mentions of “explosions” from public statements.

Zelensky’s announcement of a Ukrainian delegation preparing to head to Istanbul for peace talks unfolded concurrently with this military operation. Leading the delegation will be Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who emphasized the ongoing commitment to safeguarding Ukraine’s independence and citizens as the backdrop of hostilities continues to infiltrate negotiations. Ukrainian officials have pressed for the Kremlin’s promised memorandum regarding peace negotiations in a display of urgency before the scheduled discussions.

In a related development, Russia’s drone assault marked the highest tally since the invasion commenced in February 2022, with Ukraine’s air force reporting a staggering 472 drones launched in one day. Alongside this, seven missiles were also launched into Ukraine, leading to casualties—12 confirmed military deaths and 60 injuries in a strike on an army training unit. In response, Ukrainian army commander Mykhailo Drapatyi announced his resignation later that day, having led forces in reclaiming ground in previous months. The unit was targeted at the rear of an extensive frontline, underscoring the ongoing challenges for Ukraine amidst a saturated sky filled with Russian reconnaissance and strike drones.

In summary, the Ukrainian forces have executed a significant drone strike resulting in substantial damage to Russian military capabilities. With peace talks looming, this development injects further complexity into the geopolitical landscape. Ukrainian officials remain adamant about protecting their sovereignty, while Russian forces continue to respond aggressively. The broader implications of these military activities highlight the precarious balance of power in the ongoing conflict.

Original Source: www.arabnews.pk