Ukraine Destroys Dozens of Russian Strategic Bombers in Unprecedented Covert Operation

On June 1, Ukraine’s security services launched a bold and unprecedented special operation deep inside Russian territory. In a covert mission, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) successfully smuggled strike drones into Russia and used them to target multiple strategic military aircraft.

Explosions were reported near several key Russian airbases, including Belaya, Dyagilevo, Olenya, and Ivanovo. Among the damaged aircraft were advanced models such as the A-50 airborne early warning plane, as well as Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 long-range bombers. Numerous videos circulating on social media appear to confirm the aftermath of the strikes.

Reports indicate that Ukrainian operatives transported the drones close to the airbases using civilian trucks. The drones were then launched directly from the vehicles, right on Russian soil. Early estimates suggest as many as 40 aircraft were hit, with potential damage totaling up to $2 billion.

“Drones launching from trucks were seen not only in the Irkutsk region but also in Murmansk,” one report noted. “In both cases, local residents described the same scene: a large truck parked on the roadside, followed by drones lifting off into the sky.”

This is not the first time Ukraine has struck deep into Russian territory. Kyiv has carried out a series of high-risk operations targeting critical military infrastructure and defense production facilities.

The previous large-scale drone assault occurred on May 7, 2025, when Ukrainian forces hit defense industry sites and airfields in Russia’s Mordovia, Tula, Kaluga, and Moscow regions.

“This is a serious blow to Russia’s strategic deterrence capabilities,” said former Ukrainian lawmaker Boryslav Bereza.

“They’re losing aircraft that are crucial to maintaining nuclear parity with the United States — planes with no modern equivalents, and ones that are no longer being produced.”

UPDATED at 4:00 PM Kyiv time (9:00 AM EDT): Russian media are reporting a powerful explosion in Severomorsk, Murmansk Oblast. The city is home to Russia’s largest nuclear submarine base.