Ukraine has launched a high-impact drone strike on Russian strategic bombers at the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk Oblast, marking its farthest strike since the war began. The operation targeted nuclear-capable aircraft across five Russian regions, causing estimated damage of $2 billion, according to Kyiv, while Russia described it as a “terrorist attack.”

Ukraine carried out a far-reaching drone strike on Russian strategic bombers stationed at the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk Oblast, over 4,300 kilometres from Ukrainian territory. The assault, part of Operation Spider Web, targeted nuclear-capable Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers across five Russian regions, causing an estimated $2 billion in damage, according to Ukrainian officials.

Operation Spider Web Targets High-Value Russian Bombers
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reported that more than 40 Russian military aircraft were hit in the planned attack. The Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers, previously used to launch missiles against Ukrainian cities, were considered high-value targets. SBU video footage showed explosions and smoke rising at the Belaya airbase, describing the mission as a “large-scale special operation” with strategic bombers burning en masse.

Russian Authorities Confirm Drone Activity but Downplay Damage
Igor Kobzev, governor of Irkutsk, confirmed drone activity over a military unit in the Usolsky district. Russia’s Ministry of Defence labelled the strikes a “terrorist attack,” claiming all drones were repelled, though it acknowledged several aircraft caught fire. Authorities reported drones were launched from trucks near airfields, with one truck driver detained and several others arrested. The exact number of drones deployed remains undisclosed.

Drone Strikes Coincide With Russia’s Largest Aerial Assault on Ukraine
The strikes came as Russia launched what Ukrainian officials described as the largest drone and missile barrage against Ukraine since the start of the war. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia deployed 472 drones and seven ballistic and cruise missiles overnight. Ukrainian air defences reportedly neutralised 385 aerial targets during the attack.

Casualties From Russian Strikes on Ukrainian Military Facility
In a retaliatory incident, a Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian military training facility killed 12 soldiers and injured more than 60. An internal investigation has been launched to assess potential command failures at the facility.