Russia promises 'retribution' after Ukraine launches unprecedented drone attack on Kremlin bombers

The attack, which took place on Sunday, destroyed 34% of Russia’s strategic bombers capable of carrying cruise missiles and cost the Kremlin as much as £5.2 billion.

Taking to Telegram on Tuesday, one of Vladimir Putin’s top allies, Dmitry Medvedev, promised Russia would respond to the strike in kind.

He wrote: "To all who are worried and waiting for retribution.

Read more: 'Brilliant result': Zelenskyy celebrates Ukraine's attack on 40 'enemy bombers' in Russia that caused '$7bn' damage

"You need to worry - this is a normal person's quality.

"Retribution is inevitable."

In the wake of the successful drone strikes, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: "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.

"Our people involved in preparing the operation were withdrawn from Russian territory in time. I thanked General Maliuk for this success of Ukraine.

"I instructed the Security Service of Ukraine to inform the public about the details and results of the operation that can be disclosed. Of course, not everything can be revealed at this moment, but these are Ukrainian actions that will undoubtedly be in history books.

"Ukraine is defending itself, and rightly so – we are doing everything to make Russia feel the need to end this war. Russia started this war, Russia must end it. Glory to Ukraine!"

Videos shared by Ukraine's SBU Security Service showed a line of Russian strategic bombers with smoke billowing out of them.

"Enemy strategic bombers are massively burning in Russia - this is the result of a special SBU operation," a security source told Sky News.

Less than 24 hours after the strikes, Ukrainian and Russian officials met to agree a large-scale prisoner swap, as ceasefire talks between the warring nations continue.