Ukraine Claims Drone Strike Destroys Russian Aircraft Ahead of Peace Talks
Ukraine’s drone attack reportedly destroyed over 40 Russian planes ahead of peace talks in Istanbul. President Zelensky claimed the operation was a highly orchestrated effort, inflicting around $7 billion in damages. Meanwhile, Russia launched its largest drone assault since February 2022, exacerbating military tensions as Ukraine sends a delegation to negotiate peace.
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a drone strike that has reportedly destroyed over 40 Russian aircraft deep within Russian territory. The operation, led by the Security Service of Ukraine, involved advanced tactics and was finalized just before crucial peace talks set to take place in Istanbul.
Sources indicate that the drone assault, dubbed Operation “Web”, was under the personal oversight of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting it was a highly strategic and meticulously planned endeavor. Reports say the complex operation utilized special first-person view (FPV) drones, which were secretly transported to Russia and concealed in mobile wooden houses to facilitate the strikes.
In a revealing statement, Zelensky reported that a total of 117 drones were mobilized for the mission, aimed at targeting Russian airbases. The drones struck military airfields housing A-50, Tu-95 and Tu-22M bombers, significantly impacting Russia’s capabilities. The Ukrainian Security Service estimates that the damages could amount to around $7 billion, although these figures are yet to be independently verified.
Russia has confirmed the incidents, with its Defense Ministry releasing information about the damage inflicted on their aircraft and the ensuing fires at military bases located thousands of kilometers from Ukraine. Concurrently, a series of explosions in western Russia led to the collapse of two bridges and derailed trains, resulting in casualties, although the cause of these blasts remains shrouded in uncertainty.
As this drone strike unfolded, President Zelensky announced that Ukraine would be sending a delegation headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to Istanbul for peace discussions. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, insisting that they are pursuing diplomatic avenues for resolution amid ongoing hostilities.
On the Russian side, a massive wave of drone attacks targeted Ukraine, marking the highest number in a single day since the beginning of the all-out war in February 2022. This bombardment coincided with devastating missile strikes that left several Ukrainian service members dead and many more injured, exacerbating the already tense military situation as the two nations find themselves on the brink of another round of negotiations.
The recent drone strike by Ukraine represents a notable escalation in military conflict, drawing intensive scrutiny as peace talks approach. With both nations using modern warfare techniques and engaging in extensive missile and drone activity, the stakes remain high. The situation continues to evolve, combining military action with the hopes for diplomatic resolution, though the impact of these events could significantly shape the ongoing war dynamics.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
