**Ukraine Strikes Back: A Sophisticated Retaliation Against Russia**
In December 2023, Russia unleashed a barrage of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, killing over 55 people and injuring more than 170. The devastating strikes were part of a larger effort by Moscow to dismantle the Ukrainian statehood. But in response, Kyiv began planning a retaliation plan that would eventually become one of its most significant operations against Russian aircraft.
**The Operation: A Masterclass in Planning**
Fast-forward to June 2025, and Ukraine launched hundreds of drones from covertly prepared trucks, targeting Russian aircraft in a massive operation. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the planning and execution were flawless. “This was a truly unique operation,” he said. The level of sophistication displayed by Ukraine’s military caught the attention of senior US defense officials, who described it as something they had not seen before.
**US Defense Secretary Monitors Operation**
The US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, received regular updates on the operation during his visit to Joint Base Andrews in June 2025. While he had not yet spoken to Ukrainian counterparts, the close monitoring of the operation by Washington highlights the importance of this development in the ongoing conflict.
**Peace Talks Underway**
As Ukraine’s retaliation plan unfolded, Russia and Ukraine engaged in tense peace talks in Istanbul. The negotiations were shadowed by uncertainty, with low-level delegations from both countries participating. Ahead of the talks, US President Donald Trump had expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s resistance to advancing the negotiations.
**A Turning Point?**
The successful execution of Ukraine’s retaliation plan against Russian aircraft may mark a turning point in the conflict. As Russia continues to face significant military challenges, its willingness to engage in meaningful peace talks will be put to the test. The international community, particularly the US, will be watching closely as these developments unfold.
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com
