Ukraine launched a successful drone strike, hitting over 40 Russian planes, affecting military capabilities while Moscow retaliated with missile attacks. Zelensky participated in preparations for the operation, indicating new military sophistication. As peace talks approach, the intensity of conflict continues to rise with significant casualties reported.
In a recent escalation of hostilities, Ukraine has reportedly carried out a significant drone strike that destroyed over 40 Russian aircraft within its territory. This revelation came from Ukraine’s Security Service on Sunday, coinciding with new peace negotiations set to take place in Istanbul.
A military official, who requested anonymity, disclosed to The Associated Press that this complex operation took more than 18 months to plan and execute, with direct involvement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He highlighted the meticulous preparation that went into the attack, which utilized advanced first-person view (FPV) drones.
Zelensky stated that 117 drones were deployed during this operation, noted to have been orchestrated from a location adjacent to the Russian FSB headquarters. He claimed that the drones were stealthily transported to Russia and then strategically hidden until the precise moment of the attack.
According to Ukrainian officials, these drones targeted military airfields and were able to strike A-50, Tu-95, and Tu-22M aircraft, all critical components of Russia’s military capabilities. The Security Service declared that their operation, dubbed “Web,” successfully dismantled about a third of Russia’s missile-carrying fleet and inflicted estimated damages of $7 billion.
The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged the drone strikes, confirming damage to several aircraft and fires at air bases as distant as 4,000 kilometers away in regions like Irkutsk and Murmansk. They also reported thwarted attacks in the Amur region and other western districts.
As the situation unfolds, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that he was briefed on Ukraine’s assault during his time at Nellis Air Force Base. An official familiar with the circumstances stated that the US was taken off-guard by such a sophisticated attack, which highlighted a new level of military capability from Ukraine.
In a different development on the same day, large-scale explosions were reported in western Russia, leading to the collapse of two bridges and train derailments that resulted in fatalities and injuries. However, Russian authorities later removed references to “explosions” from their official statements regarding these incidents.
The drone assault coincides with Zelensky’s announcement of a Ukrainian delegation’s forthcoming participation in peace talks aiming to address the ongoing conflict with Russia. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is set to lead this high-stakes negotiation.
Amidst these challenges, the conflict escalated further when Ukraine reported a massive surge in drone attacks from Russia. Ukrainian air force officials stated that 472 drones were launched against Ukraine, marking the largest single-day strike since the onset of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
In this pivotal moment, Ukrainian military losses were also noted, with a missile strike impacting an army training unit, leading to multiple casualties. Ukrainian army commander Mykhailo Drapatyi decided to resign following the losses, emphasizing the intense pressures faced by military leaders amidst the ongoing conflict. Overall, while Ukraine seeks to expand its defense measures, the continued back-and-forth highlights the brutal dynamics of the war.
The drone attack by Ukraine represents a major strategic shift and showcases a significant capability in drone warfare. As both sides prepare for continued military engagement, the complex and costly nature of this conflict underscores the stakes involved in the upcoming peace negotiations. With heavy losses reported on both fronts, the conflict remains unresolved, casting a long shadow over efforts to reach a diplomatic solution.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
