Ukraine has claimed a significant victory in its ongoing conflict with Russia, stating that it destroyed over 40 Russian military planes in a recent drone attack. This operation took place at various airfields, including the Belaya air base located in Russia’s Irkutsk region. The attack was planned for over a year and was overseen by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to a Ukrainian security official, the drones used in the attack were smuggled into Russia in truck containers. This operation comes just ahead of high-stakes peace talks scheduled to take place in Istanbul.
In response, Russia launched its own assault, deploying 472 drones and several missiles. This attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 12 Ukrainian service members and injured over 60 others, as confirmed by Ukraine’s air force.
The timing of these attacks raises questions about the prospects for peace. Zelensky outlined Ukraine’s demands for the negotiations, which include a full ceasefire, the release of prisoners, and the return of abducted children. He emphasized that a lasting peace can only be achieved through direct discussions among leaders, with Rustem Umerov leading Ukraine’s delegation.
Russia’s state-run news agency TASS reported that envoy Rodion Miroshnik accused Ukraine of destabilizing the situation just before the talks.
Former President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the conflict, expressing criticism of both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky. On his platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that he has had a good relationship with Putin but believes the Russian leader has changed for the worse. He criticized the ongoing violence and suggested that the conflict would not have escalated if he were still in office.
As the situation unfolds, the fragile nature of peace talks remains evident, with both sides demonstrating military strength even as they prepare for negotiations.