Ukraine’s Deep Drone Strikes Rattle Russia, Putin Signals Escalation

Kyiv targets five key Russian airbases, damaging bombers; Moscow readies counter-response amid rising war rhetoric

HH News Desk 3 weeks agoLast Updated: June 7, 2025

33 3 minutes read

Ukraine drone strike on Russian airbases

In an unexpected and far-reaching military maneuver, Ukraine carried out precision drone strikes on five Russian airbases on June 1, hitting targets once considered out of reach. Ukrainian officials claim the damage includes a number of strategic bombers and surveillance aircraft, calling the operation a calculated move to weaken Russia’s long-range offensive capability.

The strikes targeted installations hundreds of kilometers from the front, including airbases at Belaya, Dyagilevo, Ivanovo Severny, Olenya, and Ukrainka. All are known for housing aircraft integral to Russia’s cruise missile program, including Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers.

Inside the operation

Ukrainian security officials, speaking on background, said the effort was the culmination of nearly two years of planning. Rather than being launched from across the border, the drones were reportedly smuggled into Russian territory piece by piece and assembled in concealed transport trucks. These mobile units were then stationed within striking distance of the airbases.

Once activated, the drones targeted critical areas—primarily runways, fuel depots, and aircraft parked in open hangars. Satellite imagery reviewed by independent analysts appeared to confirm smoke plumes and fire damage at at least two of the bases within hours of the strikes.

While Kyiv did not disclose exact numbers, senior Ukrainian defense figures estimate the operation disabled or destroyed at least 40 aircraft, including bombers and an A-50 airborne radar platform. They place the estimated damage at roughly $7 billion, though this remains unverified by outside sources.

Russia’s muted confirmation

The Russian Ministry of Defense, in a short statement, acknowledged attacks at two airbases but refrained from discussing losses in detail. Moscow characterized the strikes as “acts of sabotage” and promised a response “on its own terms.”

No official tally of aircraft damaged has been released by the Kremlin. However, sources within the Russian aviation community, posting anonymously on encrypted channels, suggested that repairs at the affected sites could take weeks, with certain airframes considered a total loss.

Military analysts have pointed out that Russia’s bomber fleet—despite modernization—still depends heavily on fixed infrastructure. These bases, often in remote areas, are difficult to reinforce or relocate quickly.

Strategic implications

The implications of the attack are twofold. First, it puts Russia’s reliance on long-range aviation under scrutiny. Second, it demonstrates that Ukraine is capable of penetrating Russian territory without direct engagement from conventional forces.

“This wasn’t a battlefield skirmish. This was strategic-level disruption,” said a European intelligence official who monitors air defense logistics. “It forces Moscow to think differently about where and how it can safely project air power.”

The use of drones launched from within Russia also bypasses layers of air defense, raising questions about internal security and counterintelligence within the Russian Federation.

Diplomacy under pressure

The strikes come at a delicate moment. Ukrainian and Russian diplomats are scheduled to meet in Istanbul later this week for a fresh round of exploratory talks. While neither side has signaled a breakthrough is likely, the sudden escalation complicates the atmosphere.

In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky said the operation demonstrated Ukraine’s “technical sophistication and strategic resolve.” He did not link the attack to the negotiations but emphasized that all personnel involved had exited Russian territory prior to the strikes.

Western officials, while publicly cautious, appear to be quietly tracking Russia’s potential response. NATO reconnaissance flights increased along the alliance’s eastern flank after the operation, and defense ministries in several member countries have reportedly updated their threat assessments for the region.

A warning or a new norm?

Whether this operation signals a shift in Ukraine’s military doctrine remains an open question. Until now, strikes inside Russia had been limited in scope—mostly targeting fuel depots or symbolic infrastructure. This marks the first concerted attack on Russia’s strategic air force, conducted with a level of coordination that suggests deeper planning.

It also places pressure on Russian military planners, who now must consider the vulnerability of assets once thought immune to direct attack. Relocating bombers to more secure sites, dispersing them across new bases, or doubling down on air defense—all carry logistical costs and operational trade-offs.

In military circles, some see the move as a warning shot; others believe it marks a tactical turning point.

For now, both countries remain locked in a war that’s increasingly defined not only by front-line clashes but by unpredictable, high-stakes moves far from the battlefield. What happens next—on the ground or at the negotiating table—may depend on how Moscow interprets this latest strike: a provocation, a message, or simply a preview of more to come.

Written by Raj C. & Amit S. | Published on 2 June 2025 | Sources: The Independent, NPR, Reuters & Al Jazeera

Stay updated with the latest from Hindustan Herald, your trusted source for Politics, Business, Sports, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, and More.

📲 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube, 🔔 Join our Telegram channel @hindustanherald

Author Profile

HH News Desk

Web

The HH News Desk is the central editorial team at Hindustan Herald, committed to delivering accurate, timely, and impactful news across categories. From politics to public interest, the team blends journalistic integrity with deep research to provide well-rounded stories that inform, engage, and resonate with readers nationwide.