Kyiv/Moscow, June 2 2025: Ukraine launched one of its most significant drone offensives yet on Monday morning, targeting multiple Russian military airfields and striking several strategic bombers deep inside Russian territory, according to Ukrainian and Western sources.
Ukrainian officials described these attacks as a “high-impact precision operation,” with the goal of disrupting Russia’s long-range bombing capabilities. Drone strikes were carried out early morning, and explosions were heard at military airbases located over 500 kilometers from Ukraine’s borders in Saratov and Kaluga regions.
Open-source monitoring channels and satellite imagery revealed later that at least two Tu-95 “Bear” strategic bombers had been damaged at Engels-2 airbase in Saratov. Russia still uses these Soviet-era aircraft to launch cruise missiles against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior Ukrainian defense official confirmed Kyiv’s participation. “Our message is clear: those planning and carrying out attacks against our cities are no longer safe anywhere,” the official stated.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense acknowledged drone attacks but downplayed their impact by asserting that most were intercepted and damage was limited. However, social media videos circulated by local residents in Engels area show large plumes of smoke rising from near base with emergency response vehicles on-site.
Local Russian authorities reported at least three injuries and damage to nearby structures from falling debris; no fatalities have yet been confirmed.
The drone attack marks a new chapter in Ukraine’s military strategy, as Kyiv increasingly resorts to asymmetric tactics to strike at Russian military facilities far beyond the frontlines. Such long-range attacks have become more frequent over recent months thanks to domestically designed drones with extended operational range.
“Ukraine is taking bold, significant steps against Russia by hitting their strategic bombers, which form part of Russia’s long-distance air campaign,” stated Colonel Mark Hess, a U.S. military analyst. This action constitutes both symbolic and direct military aggression from their side and should be met accordingly by an increase in tensions as it escalates further between Ukraine and Russia.
Russian state media denounced the attack as “reckless provocation,” warning of its serious repercussions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that President Vladimir Putin had been briefed and ongoing consultations are taking place with senior military officials.
Ukrainian civilians, many of whom have endured waves of missile strikes, welcomed this operation as long overdue. “Let them experience what we have been experiencing for months,” stated Yulia Kostenko, a Kyiv resident.
As the war enters its third year, no sign has been seen to diminish or reduce tensions; Ukraine continues to strike deep within Russia while Moscow threatens retribution. Expect increased aerial activity and strikes as both sides prepare to dig in for what seems likely to be an extended and intensifying phase of warfare.