Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a large-scale drone attack on a Russian airbase in Siberia, reportedly destroying over 40 nuclear-capable strategic bombers in what is being described as one of the most significant aerial strikes of the war.
According to Ukrainian intelligence sources speaking anonymously, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) launched coordinated drone strikes targeting four separate Russian airbases, with the most damage inflicted on the Belaya airbase near Irkutsk. The destroyed aircraft allegedly include Tu-95 and Tu-22 long-range bombers, which Russia has used in previous missile strikes against Ukraine.
Satellite and social media imagery circulating online shows fires and significant structural damage at the northern Siberian airfield. These bombers are capable of launching long-range nuclear and conventional cruise missiles.
In a statement, the SBU estimated the total damage at approximately $7 billion, claiming the strike hit 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile fleet stationed at central airbases.
Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev confirmed a drone attack near the village of Sredniy in the Usolsky district but did not mention any involvement of strategic aviation or nuclear assets. He added that the drones were reportedly launched from a truck-mounted system, marking an unprecedented incident in the Siberian region.
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Additional Ukrainian drone attacks were also reported in Russia’s far northern Murmansk region, targeting the Olenya airbase—another hub for Russia’s strategic aviation fleet.
If verified, this would represent a major escalation in Ukraine’s ability to strike deep within Russian territory and deal a blow to its long-range military capabilities. Moscow has not yet officially acknowledged the extent of the reported damage.
