Dev Kumar Magar   Photo Journalist

Kathmandu, June 2 – Ukraine has carried out a massive drone attack targeting Russian airbases. On June 1, Ukraine launched strikes deep into Russian territory, reportedly penetrating up to 4,000 kilometers. According to Ukrainian claims, five major Russian airbases—Belaya, Dyagilevo, Ivanovo, Olenya, and others—were destroyed in the attacks.

Ukraine’s intelligence agency, the SBU, stated that 41 long-range Russian bombers were destroyed in the missile attacks. Media has shown images of these aircraft burning. This was reportedly the largest drone assault to date, aimed at weakening Russia’s military infrastructure.

Ukraine has named the operation “Spiderweb.” The SBU estimates that Russia has suffered approximately $7 billion in damages due to the attack. Russia has called Ukraine’s action an unprecedented provocation. President Vladimir Putin has indicated that Russia will respond.

The attack occurred just before the proposed peace talks in Istanbul on Monday, further complicating the negotiations. In an effort to break the stalemate in the war that has lasted more than three and a half years, Ukraine took a significant and high-risk military step on Sunday.