**Russian Air Force Takes a Hit: Ukraine Claims 12 Aircraft Destroyed**
In its daily update on June 3, the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces revealed that Russian forces lost 12 aircraft, without providing further details. This news comes just two days after the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) launched a massive drone attack against Russian strategic aviation parked at four different air bases on June 1.
The SBU’s operation aimed to target Russia’s most advanced planes, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 M3 bombers, as well as A-50 reconnaissance planes. According to the SBU, 41 planes were hit in the attack, causing approximately $7 billion in damage and disabling one-third of Russia’s cruise missile bombers.
**A Significant Blow to Russian Aviation**
The loss of 12 aircraft is a significant blow to Russia’s air power, and Ukraine’s officials are quick to highlight the impact. “This was not just a devastating blow to enemy aviation, but a serious slap in the face of the power and terrorist essence of the Russian Federation,” SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk said in a statement on June 2.
Independent confirmation of the damage caused is limited, but satellite images appear to confirm the destruction of at least three Tu-95MS strategic bombers and one Tu-22M3 aircraft. The images also show an additional Tu-95MS visibly damaged, as well as two more likely destroyed Tu-22M3 bombers on the field.
**A Turning Point in the War?**
The successful drone attack against Russian air bases may mark a turning point in the war between Ukraine and Russia. As Ukraine’s military continues to gain momentum, it is clear that they are determined to inflict significant damage on their enemy’s capabilities.
In recent days, Ukrainian officials have been quick to highlight the success of their military operations, and this latest development is no exception. “At least 13 Russian aircraft were destroyed in the attack, with more damaged,” Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, said previously.
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