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Escalation intensifies ahead of peace talks in Turkey as Ukraine destroys 41 Russian warplanes
The war between Russia and Ukraine escalated sharply over the weekend, with both sides launching some of their most significant attacks of the conflict just ahead of peace talks set to begin in Turkey.
On Saturday, June 1, 2025, Russia launched its largest drone assault on Ukraine since the start of its full-scale invasion in February 2022. According to Ukrainian authorities, the overnight attack involved 267 drones targeting multiple regions across the country. Air defense systems managed to intercept 138 drones, while another 119 were reported lost en route. Despite the defenses, the assault caused widespread damage and killed at least three people.
The following day, on Sunday, June 2, Ukraine responded with a bold and highly coordinated strike on Russian airbases, claiming it destroyed at least 41 military aircraft, including strategic bombers such as the TU-95, TU-22, and A-50 surveillance planes. The airfields targeted were located deep within Russian territory — some more than 4,000 kilometers from the front line — marking one of Ukraine’s deepest and most damaging attacks since the war began.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the strike as a “brilliant operation,” reportedly the result of over 18 months of planning. The operation, codenamed “Spider’s Web,” involved deploying long-range drones concealed in wooden sheds and transported by civilian trucks to the perimeters of Russian airbases. Once in place, the drones were remotely activated and launched with precision.
Ukrainian intelligence officials estimate the damage from the strike to be in the range of $7 billion, significantly impairing Russia’s long-range bombing capabilities.
These reciprocal attacks come just as delegations from both countries prepare to meet in Turkey for a fresh round of peace negotiations. While international mediators, including the United States, are pushing for a ceasefire, the latest escalation underscores the challenges facing any potential resolution.
The war, now in its third year, shows no signs of winding down, with both sides demonstrating renewed capacity and willingness to strike at strategic depth.
