Ukrainian Armed Forces Drones Attack Military Base in Irkutsk Region

On Sunday, Ukrainian drones targeted several Russian military airfields, according to a source from the Ukrainian Security Service speaking to the BBC's Ukrainian service. The source stated that the attack, the largest of its kind since the war began, resulted in the destruction of more than 40 Russian aircraft, including A-50, Tu-95, and Tu-22 M3 bombers.

The Russian authorities have yet to comment on the damage caused but have confirmed drone strikes on two regions housing military airfields. According to some reports, the drones were launched from Russian territory using trucks.

The airbases that were attacked include Olenya (Murmansk region), Belaya (Irkutsk region), Ivanovo (Ivanovo region), and Dyagilevo (Ryazan region).

Igor Kobzev, the governor of Russia's Irkutsk region, reported that drones attacked a military unit in the village of Sredny. “It is currently known that this was a drone attack on a military unit,” Kobzev wrote.

He noted that the exact number of drones involved in the attack has not been calculated yet. Operational and security services, including FSB and EMERCOM staff, along with members of the National Guard, arrived at the scene. An emergency staff meeting has been held, and the governor has also traveled to the Usolye region.

Kobzev further clarified that the blocked source of the drones in the area is a freight truck. He stated, “The source from where the drones were launched has already been blocked. It is a truck.” Witnesses reported seeing the truck, from which the drones took off, stationed near the entrance to the city of Olenegorsk. “The driver came, he’s running, rushing; drones are flying out from under the truck and heading towards Visoki. Road police have him now. He says, 'I was told to come to this point; I’ll be welcomed.' He arrived, and the drones are flying one after the other,” said an eyewitness.