Ukraine says drone strikes in Russia inflicted ~$7B in damages

Ukrainian forces launched a daring drone assault on Russian airbases deep inside the country, destroying over 40 warplanes, including strategic bombers.

The operation, dubbed “Spiderweb,” targeted locations in Irkutsk, Murmansk and Ryazan—more than 2,800 miles from Ukraine’s border.

The US military has called it a highly sophisticated operation. The drones were smuggled inside wooden mobile homes and deployed remotely.

The strikes caused approximately $7 billion in damages and significantly impacted Russia’s missile capabilities, according to Kyiv’s intelligence agency. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the mission as a major success.

The bold counterattack came just ahead of peace talks in Istanbul, signaling Ukraine’s continued resolve against Russia’s invasion.

As Ukraine enters the talks, it demands an unconditional ceasefire and the return of children taken by Russia. It also rejects Moscow’s call for withdrawal from contested territories.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, once confident he could end the war, faces growing pressure as the conflict drags on.