As Ukraine and Russia prepare to meet for direct negotiations in Istanbul, both sides launched some of the most intense attacks in recent months, signaling heightened tensions ahead of the talks, reports DW.
Ukraine Claims ‘Historic’ Airbase Strike Inside Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised what he called an “absolutely brilliant success” by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) in striking multiple Russian military airbases deep within Russian territory.
“One year, six months, and nine days – from planning to execution,” Zelensky wrote on X.
“This operation will undoubtedly enter the history books.”
According to SBU, over 40 Russian aircraft were destroyed across four military airfields, including the Belaya base in eastern Siberia, located over 4,200 kilometers from Ukraine, and others in Murmansk, Ivanovo, and Ryazan.
SBU estimates the damage at $7 billion, claiming that 34% of Russia’s cruise missile-capable bombers were eliminated. The operation allegedly involved 117 drones, some launched from hidden compartments in wooden truck-mounted cabins.
Russia Confirms Fires, Denies Casualties
Russia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that multiple aircraft were set ablaze by Ukrainian drone attacks in Murmansk and Irkutsk but said the fires were under control and no casualties were reported.
While Russia reported some suspects have been detained, Ukraine’s SBU denied this, claiming that all agents involved had returned safely, labeling Russian claims as “domestic propaganda.”
Russia Responds with Deadly Missile and Drone Strikes
In retaliation, Russian forces launched extensive attacks, with at least 12 Ukrainian soldiers killed in a missile strike on a military training unit, and over 60 injured, according to the Ukrainian military.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported Russia’s largest drone assault since the war began, stating that 472 drones were launched in a single day.
Ukrainian intelligence also claimed responsibility for sabotaging a fuel-laden freight train in Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia, and multiple incidents where Russian trains derailed following bridge collapses in Kursk and Bryansk, incidents Moscow labeled as terrorist acts.
High-Stakes Peace Talks Resume in Istanbul
Despite earlier hesitation, Ukraine confirmed on Sunday that it will send a delegation to the Istanbul talks, which are set to begin Monday. The timing of these strikes underscores deepening mistrust and military escalation just as diplomatic channels reopen.
