Ukrainian drones targeted multiple military airbases deep inside Russia on Sunday, June 2, 2025, in a significant operation acknowledged by Kyiv, causing damage to aircraft just before peace talks were scheduled. The strikes occurred across five Russian regions, highlighting Ukraine’s capability to hit targets far behind the front lines.
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Sunday’s Airbase Attacks
On June 2, Ukraine launched drone attacks against Russian military airfields located in the Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed the assaults, stating that air defenses repelled attacks in most regions but that strikes in Murmansk and Irkutsk caused several aircraft to catch fire.
The ministry reported that FPV drones launched from close proximity to the airfields were responsible for the fires. FPV (First Person View) drones allow operators to see real-time video footage from the drone, enabling precise guidance.
According to Russian authorities, the fires were extinguished, and no casualties were reported. The Defence Ministry also stated that some individuals involved in the attacks had been detained.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the operation as “absolutely brilliant” via the Telegram messaging app on Sunday night. Ukraine claimed the attacks utilized 117 drones, resulting in “very tangible losses” for Russia.
Claims of Damage and Reach
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed responsibility for the operation, stating it hit Russian military planes with a combined value of $7 billion. The SBU reported targeting airbases thousands of kilometers from the front line.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a news conference, following Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian airbases.
Targets reportedly included the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk, approximately 4,300km (2,670 miles) from the Ukrainian border, and the Olenya airbase in southern Murmansk, some 1,800km (1,120 miles) from Ukraine. Ukrainian media reports suggested the operation involved SBU drones smuggled deep into Russia and concealed in trucks.
Reports indicated that at least 41 Russian heavy bombers across four airbases were hit, specifically mentioning Tu-95 and Tu-22 strategic bombers. Russia commonly uses these aircraft to launch long-range missiles against Ukrainian cities. While Russia has not confirmed the full extent of the damage, if accurate, the attacks could represent one of Ukraine’s most damaging drone strikes of the conflict to date.
The attacks follow a period of significantly increased drone activity by both sides.
Context of Escalation and Peace Talks
The drone strikes occurred just one day before Ukraine and Russia held a new round of peace talks in Istanbul. Both nations have recently intensified their use of drones against each other’s territory and military infrastructure.
In the week prior to the strikes, Russia launched over 900 kamikaze drones and 92 missiles targeting Ukraine, resulting in at least 16 civilian deaths. These Russian attacks followed days of Ukrainian strikes using at least 800 drones on Russian military infrastructure in regions including Tula, Alabuga, and Tatarstan.
A Ukrainian delegation, led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, attended the talks in Turkiye on Monday. A previous meeting on May 16 facilitated a prisoner exchange. Monday’s discussions also resulted in an agreement for another swap.
Ukraine’s stated priorities for the talks included a complete ceasefire and the return of prisoners and abducted children. Russia also presented its terms for peace. The Istanbul meeting, encouraged by US President Donald Trump’s calls for a quick resolution, did not result in a major breakthrough towards ending the war.
Historical Background of Deep Strikes
Sunday’s operation is the latest in a series of notable attacks that Ukraine has reportedly carried out against strategic Russian targets far from the front lines since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. These incidents highlight Ukraine’s persistent efforts to strike symbols of Russian power and disrupt logistical or military capabilities.
Crimea Bridge Attacks (2022 and 2023)
The Kerch Strait Bridge, connecting mainland Russia to the annexed Crimean Peninsula, is a crucial supply route for Russian forces. Ukraine has targeted it multiple times. An explosion in October 2022, which Russia blamed on Ukraine, damaged a section of the bridge. In July 2023, the bridge was struck again in an attack Russia attributed to Ukrainian sea drones. The attacks disrupted traffic and demonstrated Ukraine’s ability to hit this high-profile target.
Read more about the Crimea Bridge attack.
Black Sea Fleet Attacks (2023)
In September 2023, Ukraine conducted a series of missile and drone strikes on Russian Black Sea Fleet facilities and ships near Sevastopol in occupied Crimea. These attacks reportedly damaged or destroyed significant assets, including a communications command center and naval vessels. Ukraine claimed substantial casualties among Russian officers.
Kremlin Attack (2023)
In May 2023, two drones were reported over the Kremlin in Moscow. Russia described the incident as a planned terrorist act and an attempt on President Putin’s life, claiming the drones were disabled by defenses. Ukraine denied involvement, stating it only fights on its own territory, though some Western analysts suggested Ukrainian special forces could have been responsible.
Learn more about the alleged drone attack on the Kremlin.
Kursk Region Incursions (2024 and 2025)
Beginning in August 2024, Ukrainian forces launched ground incursions into Russia’s Kursk region, taking Moscow by surprise and seizing control of some territory. While Russia eventually recaptured most of the lost ground by early 2025, Ukraine launched a second wave of attacks in the region in January 2025.
Explore coverage of Russia-Ukraine war key events.
Conclusion
The Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian airbases deep inside the country on June 2 represent a significant projection of force and underscore Ukraine’s evolving capabilities to strike strategic targets far from the front lines. The attacks occurred amidst escalating mutual drone warfare and just ahead of diplomatic talks in Turkey. While Russia confirmed the attacks and some damage, the full extent of the impact on Russian air power remains to be officially detailed by Moscow.
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