**Ukraine Launches Surprise Drone Attack on Russian Strategic Bomber Airbases**
In a bold and daring move, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has conducted a series of drone attacks on strategic bomber airbases deep within Russian territory. The operation, which took place on June 1st, targeted aircraft at the Olenya airbase in Murmansk Oblast and the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk Oblast.
According to reports from Ukrainian and Russian Telegram channels, Ukraine’s FPV kamikaze drones were used in the attack. The drones were able to reach their targets, which included strategic bombers located over 2,000 km (1,243 miles) away from the frontline. The operation is being hailed as one of the most successful Ukrainian strikes against Russian strategic bombers since the start of the full-scale war.
**Massive Fires and Destruction at Olenya Airbase**
Residents near Belaya reportedly captured footage of FPV drones hitting the airfield, followed by multiple explosions. Open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysts from Cyberboroshno identified the location in videos showing destroyed strategic bombers. One video, published by multiple Telegram channels, shows drone footage of fires at Belaya airbase, with voice-over commentary by SBU head Vasyl Maliuk confirming the strike.
The extent of the damage remains unclear, but it appears that at least four Tu-95 strategic bombers were reportedly destroyed at Olenya airbase. Ukrainian Telegram channel Supernova+ published multiple videos from both Murmansk and Irkutsk Oblasts, claiming there were at least 10 explosions at Olenya.
**First Drone Strike in Irkutsk Oblast**
This marks the first time Irkutsk Oblast has been attacked by drones since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began. The Belaya military airfield in this area houses Tu-22M3 bombers, which were reportedly targeted during the strike.
**Estimated Damage Exceeds $2 Billion**
According to Ukrainian publication Babel, citing sources within the SBU, the strikes were part of a planned special operation dubbed “Pautyna” (“Web”), carried out on June 1st. The operation aimed to destroy over 40 Russian military aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers.
The damages from this operation are estimated to exceed $2 billion, according to the source. This represents a significant blow to Russia’s military capabilities, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s ongoing war effort.
**Commentary**
This surprise drone attack on Russian strategic bomber airbases marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s campaign against Russia. The ability of Ukraine’s FPV kamikaze drones to reach and destroy aircraft deep within Russian territory highlights the growing sophistication and effectiveness of Ukrainian military capabilities.
The estimated damage of over $2 billion represents a substantial blow to Russia’s military budget, which is already under strain due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This operation also serves as a reminder that Ukraine remains committed to disrupting and undermining Russia’s military capabilities, despite the significant challenges posed by the war.
As the situation continues to unfold, it will be crucial for analysts and policymakers alike to closely monitor developments and assess the full impact of this daring drone attack on Russian strategic bomber airbases.
