Ukraine destroyed over 40 Russian military aircraft in a large-scale drone strike inside Russia, officials say. Here’s what happened on 1 June 2025.

Ukraine Destroys Over 40 Russian Military Aircraft in Deep Drone Strike: Official | June 1, 2025

Kyiv, Ukraine – June 1, 2025:

Ukraine has reportedly destroyed more than 40 Russian military aircraft in a massive drone attack deep inside Russian territory, a Ukrainian official announced Sunday. The strike marks one of the largest and most successful long-range assaults conducted by Ukraine since the war began in 2022.

This comes amid escalating tensions and increasing drone capabilities on both sides, with Ukraine pushing technological innovation in unmanned aerial warfare.

🔥 Trending Headline: Ukraine Drone Attack Destroys Russian Jets

According to the Ukrainian military intelligence directorate (GUR), the overnight drone offensive struck multiple Russian airfields, targeting high-value assets. While the Kremlin has not confirmed the full extent of the damage, satellite imagery and social media reports indicate severe destruction.

📍 Where Did the Attack Occur?

Ukrainian drones reportedly penetrated deep into Russian territory, hitting airbases in the Krasnodar and Voronezh regions, more than 500 km from the frontlines. These bases are believed to house strategic bombers and fighter jets used in operations against Ukraine.

🛩️ What Was Destroyed? Key Assets Hit

Ukrainian intelligence officials claim the following Russian military hardware was affected:

• 42 aircraft destroyed (including Su-34, Su-30SM, and Tu-22M3 bombers)
• Multiple air defense systems damaged
• Fuel storage facilities set ablaze
• At least 60 Russian personnel were injured, including technical crew

Official quote: “This operation was a demonstration of Ukrainian precision capabilities at long range,” a senior GUR official said on national television.

📈 Why This Attack Matters: Strategic Shift in the War

This drone strike signals a significant tactical evolution in Ukraine’s military approach:

• Ukrainian drones now have extended range and better evasion systems.
• Moscow’s airfield defense vulnerabilities have been exposed.
• Ukraine aims to reduce the effectiveness of Russian air raids and missile launches.

According to UK-based defense analyst Justin Bronk, “Ukraine is proving it can project power far beyond its borders. Russia must now rethink how it secures its rear assets.”

🧠 Expert Insights: What Analysts Say

Several defense experts weighed in on the consequences:

• Justin Bronk (RUSI): “This is a watershed moment in drone warfare.”
• Mykola Bielieskov (Ukrainian Military Analyst): “We are seeing the future of low-cost, high-impact warfare.”
• CSIS Report: Confirms a rise in Ukrainian drone strikes by 300% in the last 3 months.

📊 Comparative Data: Escalation in Drone Strikes

• External: BBC – Ukraine Destroys Russian Warplanes

📰 Russia’s Response So Far

The Russian Ministry of Defense has acknowledged an “attempted UAV incursion” but denied the scale of the damage. It claimed most drones were intercepted, and only “minor equipment” was affected.

However, independent satellite images shared by OSINT communities show burnt-out airframes and smoking hangars at the Morozovsk air base.

Russian Telegram channels are filled with videos showing explosions and fireballs overnight, contradicting official Russian claims.

📍 Global Reaction: NATO and the US Respond

• NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called the strike “an example of asymmetric defense and modern warfare.”
• The United States reiterated its stance of non-involvement in strikes on Russian soil but emphasized that Ukraine has the right to self-defense.

Meanwhile, Russia has warned of “retaliatory strikes” and hinted at using long-range cruise missiles on Ukrainian infrastructure in response.

❓ FAQs: Ukraine’s Drone Strike on Russia – Key Questions

1. How many Russian aircraft were destroyed in the Ukrainian drone strike?

According to Ukrainian officials, over 40 military aircraft were destroyed in a deep strike inside Russia on June 1, 2025.

2. Where did the drone attack take place?

The drones targeted Russian airbases in the Krasnodar and Voronezh regions, hundreds of kilometers from the frontline.

3. How did Ukraine manage to strike so deep into Russia?

Ukraine has developed long-range drones capable of evading Russian radar and air defense systems.

4. What type of drones were used?

While Ukraine hasn’t confirmed specifics, analysts suspect homegrown drones like the UJ-22 and imported European UAVs were used in a coordinated swarm attack.

5. Will this escalate the war?

Experts suggest it may prompt further retaliation from Russia but also limit future Russian air operations due to increased risk.

📢 Call to Action: Stay Updated

This story is still developing, and official responses from both Ukraine and Russia are ongoing.

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