Tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated sharply over the weekend following Ukraine’s long-range drone offensive, which reportedly damaged a significant portion of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet.
The development has cast a shadow over the second round of peace talks set to take place in Istanbul this week.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the operation marked the country’s longest-range coordinated attack since the start of the conflict, with 117 drones deployed across three Russian time zones.
The strikes targeted five key airbases, including facilities in eastern Siberia and regions near Moscow.
Ukrainian security officials said over 40 Russian aircraft were damaged, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers—capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payloads—as well as A-50 airborne early warning systems. The operation is estimated to have caused losses exceeding $2 billion.
President Zelenskiy confirmed that Ukrainian operatives involved in the execution were safely withdrawn from Russian territory before the strikes commenced.
The drones, hidden in wooden mobile houses transported on trucks, were released deep inside Russian territory. “It took one year, six months, and nine days to plan and execute the mission,” Zelenskiy said, underlining the strategic scale of the offensive.
Ukraine’s Security Service Chief, Vasyl Malyuk, was said to have coordinated the operation. The agency has not officially disclosed the full scope of the damage, but claimed 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carrier fleet was affected.
In response, Russia launched one of its most prolonged missile and drone assaults on Kyiv, triggering nine hours of continuous air raid sirens. At least 12 people were confirmed dead following a strike on a military training facility. The attack prompted Ukraine Ground Forces Commander Mykhaylo Drapatyi to announce his resignation.
The incidents come at a critical juncture as both countries prepare to resume peace negotiations. Delegations from Moscow and Kyiv are expected in Istanbul on Monday.
The first round of talks, held on May 16, resulted in a limited prisoner exchange agreement and initial discussions on a ceasefire.
However, Russia has not confirmed if the latest military developments will alter its participation in the upcoming dialogue.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will lead the country’s delegation, which will focus on securing a full and unconditional ceasefire, repatriation of abducted children, and broader prisoner exchanges.
President Zelenskiy noted that further progress will require direct engagement between national leaders.
Separately, two railway bridges in Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk regions were destroyed in incidents that Russian authorities have classified as “terrorist attacks.”
A passenger train derailment in Bryansk killed three and injured 28, while a freight train accident in Kursk caused multiple injuries.
Russia’s Investigative Committee said it had opened criminal cases into both events. The Kremlin has yet to confirm if the bridge explosions were linked to the Ukrainian drone operation.
Ukraine has not taken responsibility for the bridge collapses but suggested that Russia may be preparing grounds to disrupt the talks. “Ukraine has no motive to disrupt the Istanbul summit,” said Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Propaganda. He accused Moscow of conducting potential “false-flag” operations to undermine negotiations.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Service confirmed that a military train was destroyed in a separate explosion in the occupied Zaporizhzhia region, further disrupting Russian logistics to the annexed Crimea Peninsula.
The coordinated attacks highlight Ukraine’s evolving military capabilities and raise concerns over the fragility of ongoing peace efforts. Market observers and diplomatic stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments in Istanbul, as the prospect of a ceasefire now faces renewed uncertainty.
