A daring operation inside Russia has set off a new wave of tension between Kyiv and Moscow, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin thrust into the spotlight. The world is watching as the fallout from Ukraine’s unprecedented drone blitz continues to unfold.

According to The US Sun, Ukraine launched a massive swarm of drones from trucks hidden within Russian territory, targeting four airbases and destroying at least 40 Russian military aircraft. This marks one of the most ambitious and far-reaching attacks of the war, setting the stage for further escalation between the two nuclear powers.

The strikes, celebrated by Zelensky as “historic,” included the destruction of high-value Russian bombers and a £260 million AWACS aircraft, while Russian officials branded the attack as terrorism and called for a harsh response. With both sides trading fierce accusations, the conflict has entered a dramatic new phase.

Drones launched from Russian soil

Ukrainian intelligence and security services orchestrated the attack over more than 18 months, smuggling 117 drones into Russia and hiding them in mobile wooden cabins on trucks. These trucks drove near four major airbases—including Olenya in Murmansk, Belaya in Irkutsk, Ivanovo, and Diaghilevo—before remotely launching their deadly payloads at Russian bombers.

Footage released by Ukraine’s Security Service captured the moment drones emerged from the trucks and sped toward their targets. Drones struck aircraft parked on runways, including long-range Tu-22M3 and Tu-95 bombers that have been used in attacks on Ukrainian cities. The use of artificial intelligence allowed the drones to recognize and dive onto Russian planes with precision.

Zelensky declared on X, “A result achieved solely by Ukraine. One year, six months, and nine days from the start of planning to effective execution. Our most long-range operation.” Ukrainian sources estimate the damage to the Russian air force at more than £1.5 billion.

Russian outrage and accusations

Russia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed drone strikes hit the airbases but dismissed the damage, claiming all drones were repelled. Despite these claims, images and video from the scene showed burning aircraft and plumes of smoke rising from the targeted airfields, with some Russian commentators comparing the attack to “Russia’s Pearl Harbour.”

Calls for retaliation quickly emerged from Moscow, with some pundits urging Putin to consider a nuclear response. Local reports described panicked scenes as drones launched from a truck stopped at a gas station, and the unsuspecting driver was later detained. The attack exposed vulnerabilities in Russia’s defenses hundreds of miles from the front lines.

Kremlin officials condemned the attacks as terrorism, arguing that Ukraine’s Western-backed military campaign was crossing dangerous new lines. Yet, the scale of the destruction left even pro-Kremlin voices demanding answers about how such a strike could succeed deep inside Russian territory.

Ukraine’s new tactics and technology

Ukrainian officials credited advanced technology and months of careful planning for the operation’s success. The drones used artificial intelligence to identify and strike Russian bombers automatically. Maria Avdeeva, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, explained, “Ukraine secretly delivered FPV drones and wooden mobile cabins into Russia. The drones were hidden under the roofs of the cabins, which were later mounted on trucks. At the signal, the roofs opened remotely. Dozens of drones launched directly from the trucks, striking strategic bomber aircraft. Russia can’t produce these bombers anymore. The loss is massive.”

The aircraft destroyed included Tu-22M3 and Tu-95 strategic bombers, as well as an A-50 airborne warning and control aircraft worth hundreds of millions. Ukrainian military sources described the attack as a “turning point,” arguing that Russia’s ability to conduct long-range bombing runs has been significantly degraded. The attack also demonstrated how Ukraine is increasingly able to strike far beyond the front lines, using unconventional tactics to hit valuable Russian military assets and force Moscow to divert resources to protect its own territory.

Global reactions and next steps

International observers have called the attack a bold escalation, with some warning it could provoke a more aggressive Russian response. Critics in Russia accused Ukraine of terrorism, while Kyiv argued it was a justified response to relentless Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities.

A source cited by the Kyiv Post said, “Enemy strategic bombers are burning en masse in Russia — this is the result of a special operation by the SBU. Right now, the Security Service of Ukraine is conducting a large-scale special operation to destroy enemy bomber aircraft in the rear of the Russian Federation.”

Why This Story Matters

This mission represents a major shift in global military tactics, illustrating that even distant targets can be reached through clever, decentralized methods. It also raises questions about homeland defense vulnerabilities, even in seemingly secure nations. The operation serves as a powerful example of how smaller nations can leverage asymmetric warfare to challenge more dominant powers. It underscores the importance of adapting rapidly to modern threats. Finally, the destruction of over 40 multimillion-pound aircraft in one operation has broad implications for international aviation defense strategy, especially in high-stakes military conflicts.

Conclusion

Over 18 months, Ukraine planned and launched its longest-range drone attack to date, targeting four key Russian airbases and dealing a blow worth more than £1.5 billion. Hidden drones launched from mobile truck platforms in Russian territory devastated Russia’s bomber fleet, including rare AWACS aircraft, and prompted worldwide discussion over the balance of power in the war. Though Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed success in repelling the attack, video evidence and satellite footage told another story—one where Russia's defenses were breached in dramatic fashion.