In brief
On June 2, 2025, Ukraine orchestrated a major drone offensive targeting air bases throughout Russia, from the eastern regions of Siberia to its western outskirts. The operation, which involved the deployment of 117 drones, resulted in several Russian aircraft being set ablaze, prompting a stunned response from the Kremlin and representing a notable counter against Moscow's extensive bombing campaign in Ukraine.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukrainian drones struck airfields across five time zones, affecting regions including Murmansk and Irkutsk. Officials reported that some individuals were apprehended in connection with what they termed a "terrorist attack," while also asserting that Ukrainian assaults on other installations were successfully repelled.Ukrainian sources indicate that numerous aircraft sustained damage, bolstering the significance of the strikes as a strategic and symbolic demonstration against Russian military capabilities. The Ukrainian State Security Service (S.B.U.) confirmed the scale of the operation, emphasizing the surprise element that set the stage for this ambitious strike.Ukraine’s leadership appears to have aimed not only to inflict material damage but also to convey a message of resilience amid the ongoing conflict. This drone raid represents a significant tactical shift in the war dynamics, potentially impacting Russian operational strategies moving forward.
