40 Russian bomber planes struck as Ukraine claims to have conducted drone attack

1 June 2025, 14:44 | Updated: 1 June 2025, 14:45

Russian drone hits residential building in Belozersk
Russian drone hits residential building in Belozersk. Picture: Getty

By Flaminia Luck

Ukraine has claimed to have hit more than 40 Russian bomber planes in a drone attack.

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the strikes would be the most damaging Ukrainian drone attack of the war, and would be a significant setback for Moscow, a security official told Reuters.

The official said the strikes were conducted by the SBU domestic intelligence agency, and that they had simultaneously hit four Russian military air bases on Sunday.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said more than 40 aircraft were hit, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 strategic bombers, which Russia uses to fire long-range missiles at Ukraine.

Reuters could not immediately verify the assertions.

Berlin, Deutschland
Zelensky confirms Ukraine to take part in upcoming peace talks with Russia in Istanbul. Picture: Alamy

The source shared video footage, saying it showed the strikes.

The images showed several large aircraft, some of which appeared to be Tu-95 strategic bombers, on fire.

Ukraine, which lacks Russia's vast arsenal of missiles, has instead built up a large fleet of attack drones which it has used to attack Russian military and oil facilities.

Russia had proposed a fresh round of talks in Istanbul on Monday, with Zelenskyy confirming Ukraine's attendance.

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