Ukraine announced it had attacked Russian long-range bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons at several airbases across Russia on June 1.
Governors in several Russian regions confirmed drone attacks, although it remains unclear whether any aircraft were actually hit.
Ukraine’s main intelligence agency, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), released a video on June 1, claiming it shows drones striking Russian strategic bombers at various bases. These bombers have played a key role in Russia’s war, launching long-range cruise missiles at Ukrainian targets.
An airbase in Murmansk and another in the Ryazan region were reportedly hit, as well as the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk — more than 5,200 kilometers east of Ukraine’s border.
The governor of Irkutsk, Igor Kobzev, said this was the first time Russian drones were observed in this region.
In statements to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, unidentified officials from Ukraine’s security agency, the SBU, claimed that up to 40 bombers were hit. The SBU’s video appears to show drones exploding and striking Tupolev bombers stationed on the runway, while another video shows smoke rising from some bases.
The Ukrainian claims have not been independently verified, but several Telegram channels linked to the Russian military reported that four airbases were hit.
The Ukrainian strike comes as both sides are expected to hold a second round of direct peace talks in Istanbul on June 2, in an effort to reach an agreement to end the war that began in 2022.
