KYIV/MOSCOW — Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles launched a significant strike against Russian airfields, resulting in the destruction of multiple aircraft. The assaults, carried out deep within Russian territory, targeted strategic bombers and reconnaissance planes, according to reports and imagery released by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU).
Ukrainian drones appear to have crippled a number of high-value Russian military assets, including strategic bombers, in a series of coordinated strikes on Russian air bases. New satellite imagery and drone footage confirm damage and destruction to aircraft. The SBU released footage showing drones approaching and impacting multiple planes.
Scale of Damage
Satellite imagery analyzed on June 4, 2025, indicated the destruction of three Tu-95MS and four Tu-22M3 bombers at the Belaya airbase. Another assessment of two airbases, taken on June 4, 2025, showed 12 aircraft damaged or destroyed. Separately, footage released on December 24, 2025, showed a drone striking a Russian Navy Ilyushin Il-38N anti-submarine warfare aircraft at Yeysk Air Base. Ukrainian officials initially claimed a total of 41 aircraft were hit, including strategic bombers and A-50 airborne early warning aircraft.
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Retaliation and Timing
These strikes occurred in the wake of intense Russian aerial bombardments on Ukraine. On May 14, 2026, a Russian cruise missile hit an apartment block in Kyiv, killing 24 people. Ukraine announced a national day of mourning for the victims.
The drone attacks on Russian airbases also preceded peace talks scheduled for May 16, 2026, in Istanbul. Ukraine stated it had not informed the United States in advance of these strikes.
Context and Capabilities
Russia has previously employed widespread drone and missile attacks against Ukraine, sometimes launching over 300 drones on certain nights. Ukraine's drone operations, like those detailed, highlight their evolving capabilities to strike targets far inside Russia. The farthest target mentioned, the Belaya base, is approximately 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles) from Ukraine's border.
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The challenges of defending against drones were noted, as they fly low and slow, potentially appearing as birds on radar. While these attacks might temporarily diminish Russia's capacity for strategic missile launches, Russia is expected to seek compensatory measures.
Background:
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has seen both sides utilize drone technology extensively. Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian airfields have been described as audacious, targeting what are termed "high-value enablers" behind front lines. The ongoing conflict has also spurred international efforts, with the Council of Europe moving towards establishing a war crimes court to try Russia's leadership.
