Ukraine Executes Drone Attack on Russian Aircraft Ahead of Peace Talks

Ukraine successfully undertook a drone attack, reportedly destroying over 40 Russian aircraft and causing $7 billion in damage. The operation was led by President Zelensky and has raised the stakes ahead of upcoming peace talks in Istanbul. Despite the success of the operation, Russia retaliated with drone and missile strikes, leading to significant casualties among Ukrainian servicemen.

In a significant military development, Ukraine’s Security Service has reported that a drone attack destroyed over 40 Russian aircraft deep within Russian territory. This unprecedented assault comes as Moscow intensified its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, just hours before anticipated peace talks in Istanbul between the two nations.

Sources indicate that the operation took more than a year and half to plan and was executed under the direct supervision of President Volodymyr Zelensky. In a statement, Zelensky mentioned that the operation utilized 117 drones and took place from an office adjacent to an FSB headquarters—highlighting the seeming audacity of the mission against the backdrop of intricate intelligence work.

A military insider described the operation as extremely complex, detailing the method used to smuggle advanced FPV drones into Russia. In a clever ruse, these drones were concealed within mobile wooden houses, allowing for a surprising strike on Russian bombers. The tactical ploy included hiding the drones until the opportune moment when they could be launched at their targets.

The operation, codenamed “Web,” reportedly resulted in the destruction of 34% of Russia’s fleet of air missile carriers, with an estimated damage cost of around $7 billion. However, it is essential to note that these claims cannot be independently verified at this stage.

Russia’s Defense Ministry responded by acknowledging the attacks, stating that they resulted in damage to aircraft and fires at military airbases located over 4,000 kilometers from Ukraine. Further, strikes were said to have been thwarted in several regions of Russia, including the Amur region and the western Ivanovo and Ryazan areas.

While at Nellis Air Force Base, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth received updates concerning the drone attack and mentioned that officials had not been informed of Ukraine’s plans beforehand. A senior defense official remarked that this level of execution indicated a heightened sophistication previously unseen in the conflict.

In an unfortunately associated incident, Russia’s Investigative Committee reported that explosions in western Russia led to severe incidents including collapsing bridges and train derailments, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries. Official statements were later modified, raising questions about the details surrounding these explosions.

On the same day as the drone blitz, President Zelensky announced a Ukrainian delegation would head to Istanbul for direct peace negotiations aimed at resolving ongoing hostilities. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is set to lead this effort, underlining Ukraine’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty.

Furthermore, on the same day, Russian drone activity peaked, as they launched a record 472 drones against Ukraine. This assault coincided with missile strikes that killed at least a dozen Ukrainian servicemen during an attack on an army training unit, located behind an active front line. In response, commander Mykhailo Drapatyi resigned after the attack.

Given the current situation, the Ukrainian military faces substantial challenges in countering Russian aerial threats, as discussions continue regarding diplomatic resolutions and the ongoing conflict.

To summarize, Ukraine has executed a significant drone operation targeting Russian military assets, leading to substantial reported losses for Russia. This bold move coincides with a new round of peace talks and reflects Ukraine’s shifting tactics in response to ongoing aggression. As the conflict persists, both countries are grappling with devastating consequences and the push for resolution remains uncertain. The developments represent a pivotal moment in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, underscoring the complexities of modern warfare and diplomacy.

Original Source: www.arabnews.pk