Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has commended a covert cross-border drone strike targeting Russian air bases, describing the military action as a “brilliant operation” carried out exclusively against military infrastructure. The strike, which involved 117 drones, was orchestrated deep inside Russian territory and reportedly inflicted heavy damage on key elements of Russia’s strategic aviation forces.
In his Sunday address to the nation, Zelenskyy praised Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) for executing the unprecedented operation, emphasizing its precision and long-term planning.
“Just now, I received a report from Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk – a brilliant operation was carried out. It took place on enemy territory and was aimed exclusively at military targets – specifically, the equipment used in strikes against Ukraine. Russia suffered truly significant losses – entirely justified and deserved. I thank the Security Service, General Maliuk personally, as well as everyone who was involved in the operation. The preparation took over a year and a half. Planning, organization, and every detail was perfectly executed. I can say with certainty that this is an absolutely unique operation,” Zelenskyy stated.
The Ukrainian president revealed that the coordination center for the operation was situated near the headquarters of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in one of its regions. Zelenskyy said the drones targeted multiple Russian airbases across three time zones and successfully struck over 40 strategic aircraft, including long-range bombers.
“What’s most interesting – and this can now be stated publicly – is that the ‘office’ of our operation on Russian territory was located directly next to FSB headquarters in one of their regions. In total, 117 drones were used in the operation – with a corresponding number of drone operators involved. 34% of the strategic cruise missile carriers stationed at air bases were hit. Our personnel operated across multiple Russian regions – in three different time zones. And the people who assisted us were withdrawn from Russian territory before the operation, they are now safe. It is genuinely satisfying when something I authorized a year and six months ago comes to fruition and deprives Russians of over forty units of strategic aviation. We will continue this work,” he said.
Zelenskyy also revealed intelligence reports that indicated Russia was preparing a major strike, reinforcing the urgency of the operation. He urged citizens not to ignore air raid alerts amid growing concerns over intensified aerial assaults.
“Even before this operation was carried out, we had intelligence indicating that Russia was preparing another massive strike. And it is very important for all our people not to ignore the air raid alerts. Last night, there were nearly 500 Russian drones, attack drones. Each week, they have been increasing the number of units used per strike. Now, they have also prepared Kalibr missiles launched from naval carriers. We know exactly who we are dealing with. And we will defend ourselves by all means available to us – to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Not for a single second did we want this war,” he added.
The president reiterated Ukraine’s desire for peace, pointing out that a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal had been rejected by Russia. He called for intensified international pressure through sanctions and diplomacy.
“We offered the Russians a ceasefire. Since March 11, the U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire has been on the table. It was the Russians who chose to continue the war – even under conditions where the entire world is calling for an end to the killing. And pressure is truly needed – pressure on Russia that should bring it back to reality. Pressure through sanctions. Pressure from our forces. Pressure through diplomacy. All of it must work together,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
Massive Damage Confirmed by Ukraine’s Intelligence Service
The SBU dubbed the drone campaign “Operation Spiderweb,” marking it as the largest coordinated strike against Russian airfields since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. Sources within the SBU confirmed that the attack destroyed or disabled dozens of aircraft, including TU-95 and Tu-22M3 strategic bombers and one A-50 airborne early warning plane. CNN reported that the estimated financial damage could exceed $7 billion.
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Among the key Russian military airbases hit were Belaya in Irkutsk—roughly 4,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border—as well as the Dyagilevo base in Ryazan, the Olenya base in the Arctic Circle near Murmansk, and Ivanovo in western Russia.
Peace Talks Face Uncertainty
The strike coincides with the scheduled return of Ukrainian and Russian delegations to peace talks in Istanbul. However, uncertainty looms over the negotiations, especially following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s absence from earlier proposed direct talks in Türkiye.
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While Ukraine has submitted a negotiation framework focused on a full and unconditional ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and the return of abducted children, progress has stalled. According to CNN, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration over Putin’s reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue.
