Ukrainian drones struck two Russian plants overnight on 14 June, damaging facilities connected to explosive production and petrochemical refining in southern Russia’s Stavropol Krai and the Volga region’s Samara Oblast. Videos from the scene, shared by several Telegram channels, show drone flyovers, interceptions, fires at the facilities, and the aftermath of the strikes.

Strikes on Nevinnomysk Azot in Stavropol

According to Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation (UCCD), the Nevinnomysk Azot plant in Stavropol Krai was one of the main targets. The factory produces over a million tons of ammonia and ammonium nitrate annually—essential components in explosive manufacturing.

Footage shared by Telegram channels suggests the control room of Nevinnomysk Azot may have been destroyed.

Regional governor Vladimir Vladimirov claimed “debris” from a drone fell in the city’s industrial zone.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces stated that the strike aimed to degrade Russia’s capacity to produce explosives and munitions. The General Staff described the Nevinnomysk facility as a key supplier for Russia’s war against Ukraine, reporting multiple explosions and fires at the site.

Drone attack on Samara Oblast industrial site

In a parallel operation, drones struck another major industrial site in Novokuybyshevsk, Samara Oblast. The Ukrainian military identified the target as the Novokuybyshevsk Petrochemical Company (NNK), a top-tier supplier of components used in artillery explosives.

Local residents reported the attack and resulting fire, and some Ukrainian sources suggested that the Novokuybyshevsk Catalyst Plant might have been the target. The facility focuses on regenerating catalysts for the oil processing and chemical industries and developing new types of catalysts and adsorbents through experimental production.

Samara Oblast governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev confirmed a UAV attack attempt on one of Novokuybyshevsk’s industrial facilities, stating there were no casualties or major damage.

According to the Militarnyi outlet, NNK supplies ingredients to the Kazan Powder Plant and the Sverdlov Plant, both engaged in manufacturing explosive materials including octogen and hexogen. Public contracts show transactions worth hundreds of millions of rubles for explosive production materials, highlighting the plant’s direct ties to Russia’s defense sector.

The Ukrainian General Staff described the Novokuybyshevsk plant as directly involved in supplying components for Russia’s artillery shell production.

Ukrainian military confirms targeting of military-linked facilities

The military stressed that its drone strikes were conducted in coordination with other Ukrainian Defense Forces units and reiterated its commitment to undermining Russia’s war capacity.

Damage assessment is ongoing, according to the report.

Russian claims

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that its air defense downed 66 Ukrainian drones during the night, failing even to mention Samara Oblast. The MoD claimed the interceptions included 30 in Voronezh Oblast, 10 in Belgorod Oblast, eight in Stavropol Krai, and six in occupied Crimea. 

Ukrainian drones targeted Russia’s Tatarstan overnight on 10 June, with explosions heard and drones seen in the cities of Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk — over 1,200 km from Ukraine’s border. Russian authorities responded by grounding flights at multiple airports and expanding penalties for publishing drone strike footage.

Drone strikes target Tatarstan and beyond

According to reports from Russian Telegram channels including Astra and Mash, explosions were heard in Nizhnekamsk, as the Ukrainian Liutyi drones were spotted there, and in Tatarstan’s Yelabuga. Eyewitnesses cited by Mash claimed the drones were flying north, toward areas with suspected drone factories.

Ukrainian Telegram channel Supernova+ also shared last night’s footage featuring the sound of a massive explosion, head in Russia’s Tver, and of a drone fly-by in Saratov.

Local residents captured the moment when air defense missiles failed to intercept a fixed-wing drone flying over Tatarstan’s Nizhnekamsk. 

The Shahed-manufacturing facility in Yelabuga was last targeted by Ukrainian drones in late May and, earlier, in April.

Drones hit Russia’s Shahed drone factory 1,200 km from Ukraine again

Russian MoD claims widespread drone interceptions

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that between 21:50 and 23:55 Moscow time on 9 June, Russian air defense destroyed 76 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones: 46 over Bryansk Oblast, 16 over Belgorod Oblast, 2 each over Oryol and Kaluga oblasts, and 1 over Voronezh Oblast, and 9 over occupied Crimea.

In the next morning update, the Russian MoD claimed a total of 102 UAVs were intercepted overnight, including drones over Moscow, Tatarstan, and other regions.

The Leningrad Oblast governor, Aleksandr Drozdenko, stated a drone was allegedly shot down over Tosnensky District. He also reported restrictions on mobile and internet access in several areas. He also said internet and mobile communication restrictions were imposed in places.

Flight disruptions across multiple Russian cities

The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsiya, temporarily restricted take-offs and landings at airports in Nizhnekamsk, Pulkovo in St. Petersburg, Izhevsk, Kirov, and all Moscow airports.

Artem Korenyako of Rosaviatsiya noted the suspensions were imposed at the height of the drone threat, and that safety protocols such as the standard plan Kovyor, grounding all civilian aviation, were enacted in multiple cities.

Russia enacts regional bans on sharing drone strike data

Russian officials have imposed fines and restrictions on publishing any materials about drone strikes. Kommersant reports that regional governments have introduced penalties ranging from administrative fines to criminal prosecution.

In some instances, the fines — ranging from 3,000 to 200,000 rubles ($40–$2,550) — were issued to residents who shared videos or comments on social media. Media outlets, Telegram channel admins, and social media users have also been targeted. Repeat violations can lead to up to three years in prison.

The United States believes Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full “retaliation” for Ukraine’s bold drone assault against Russia’s strategic bomber fleet last weekend is still forthcoming and will likely involve a substantial, multi-pronged attack, Reuters reported on 7 June, citing unnamed US officials.

According to Reuters, US officials stated on condition of anonymity that Russia’s massive missile and drone barrage on 6 June was only part of a broader retaliatory plan. One official claimed that the upcoming strike is expected to be “asymmetrical,” meaning it will not directly mirror Ukraine’s drone attack. Another official stated the Kremlin is likely to employ multiple air capabilities, including missiles and drones.

The timing of the complete response remains uncertain. However, one source told Reuters it could occur within days. A Western diplomatic source suggested that key targets may include symbolic Ukrainian sites, such as government buildings, in an effort to send a strong message to Kyiv.

Trojan truck op: Kyiv destroys “34%” of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet within hours with truck-launched FPV drones (updated)

Western diplomats foresee intensified Russian assault

A Western diplomatic source told Reuters that while Russia’s retaliation may have already begun, it is expected to intensify. Another senior diplomat described the expected attack as “huge, vicious and unrelenting,” but also said the Ukrainians are “brave.”

Neither the Russian nor Ukrainian embassies in Washington responded to Reuters’ requests for comment. The White House also did not issue an immediate statement.

Russia’s Tu-160 bomber use in missile attack last night proves Tu-95 shortage after operation Spiderweb, Militarnyi says

Analysts suggest intelligence and defense sites could be targeted

According to Reuters, Michael Kofman, a Russia analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, speculated that Moscow might focus its retaliation on the SBU, Ukraine’s domestic security agency behind the Operation Spiderweb, or regional intelligence buildings. He also mentioned that Russia could use intermediate-range ballistic missiles to deliver a powerful message and possibly strike Ukrainian defense manufacturing sites.

Ukrainian drones struck the Azot chemical plant in Tula Oblast linked to explosives production, marking the second attack on the facility in two weeks, overnight on 8 June. Yesterday, resumed Ukrainian attacks on oil processing facilities continued with a strike on a bitumen production site near a major oil refinery in Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast.

Tula Oblast’s Azot chemical plant hit again

The Azot facility in Novomoskovsk, Tula Oblast, has increasingly become a target in Ukraine’s long-range drone operations due to its role in Russia’s defense production. 

On 8 June, Russian sources reported that drones targeted the Azot around 400 kilometers from Ukraine. The attack caused explosions and a fire at the plant, according to Russian pro-government Telegram channels, including VChK-OGPU, which stated shortly after midnight that that “an UAV hit the NK Azot pipe in Novomoskovsk” shortly past midnight.

Russian news Telegram channels Astra noticed that eyewitnesses reported hearing five to eight loud explosions. Citing local Telegram channels, Astra said the drones hit the Azot chemical plant, which produces substances used in the manufacture of explosives for artillery shells.

About 2:30 a.m., Tula Oblast governor Dmitry Milyaev confirmed the strike and the resulting fire, stating that it broke out after drone debris hit the site. In his official Telegram post, he added,

“The fire has been extinguished. No exceedance of permissible pollutant levels has been recorded. […] Two people were injured, but their lives are not at risk. Emergency services are working at the site.”

Ukrainian Telegram channel Exilenova+ suggested, based on available footage, that the strike on the Azot plant in Novomoskovsk likely hit the main pipeline access area, not the processing units themselves. In video reportedly filmed on-site, a worker says: “Basically, it hit a pipe — a gas one, a propane line.” The channel noted that further OSINT is needed for confirmation.

Second attack on Azot in weeks

This is the second drone strike on the plant in recent weeks. The previous attack occurred on 24 May, when drones hit a low-pressure gas pipeline in workshop No. 4, damaging two 750-ton nitric acid tanks. One tank leaked onto the ground, prompting a full shutdown of the facility. Governor Milyaev then reported damage to an acid storage unit during emergency response operations.

Fuel facility near Kstovo also struck

In the afternoon of 7 June, Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted another industrial site – JSC Bitumnoye Proizvodstvo bitumen plant – near the Lukoil refinery in Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, about 800 km from Ukraine. Local Telegram channels shared video of the incident.

It remains unclear whether the bitumen plant or the refinery was the intended target.

The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed a major fire broke out, stating:

“According to updated information, bitumen production units with a total volume of 200 cubic meters are burning. A firefighting train has departed from the Zelecino station. More than 70 specialists and 26 pieces of equipment are involved in extinguishing the blaze.”

Resumed attacks on fuel facilities

Ukraine resumed its attacks against Russian fuel storage and processing facilities on 6 June after a few-month pause, by targeting the Rosrezerv’s Kristall fuel depot in Engels, Saratov Oblast, where aviation fuel for Russia’s strategic bombers is stored. Before that, the most recent attack of this kind occurred on 18 March, when Ukrainian drones targeted the Kavkaz oil transshipment terminal in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai.

After months, Ukraine resumes strikes on Russian fuel depots, targets airfields and military factories (video)

However, Militarnyi suggests that the Kristall strike “could have been part of the series of attacks on Russia’s long-range capabilities,” given it stores fuel for strategic aviation. However, the 7 June strike on the Kstovo plant removes ambiguity, as it “provides grounds to assert that Ukraine has resumed attacks on Russia’s oil industry,” the outlet wrote.

A Ukrainian drone attack on Bryansk airport overnight on 5–6 June destroyed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter and damaged a Mi-35, according to Russian news Telegram channel Astra. There are signs of the long-lasting military use of the civilian facility, Militarnyi notes.

Astra reported that the Ukrainian UAVs targeted the territory of the Bryansk International Airport last night located in the village of Oktyabrskoye near Bryansk. As a result of the strike, a Mi-8 helicopter was completely destroyed and its ammunition detonated. A Mi-35 military helicopter was also partially damaged.

After months, Ukraine resumes strikes on Russian fuel depots, targets airfields and military factories (video)

According to Astra’s sources within the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, the strike also damaged the airport’s administrative building and the local rescue service facility. There were no casualties reported. Several dozen workers were evacuated from the nearby Ozon warehouse due to the explosions.

Video footage published by several Telegram channels showed secondary explosions after the initial impact. 

Additionally, last night, the Ukrainian drones struck an oil depot in Engels in Russia’s Saratov Oblast, and targeted Ryazan’s Dyagilevo airbase, and the Progress plant in Michurinsk, Tambov Oblast — a facility involved in producing components for rocket and aviation systems. 

Signs of Bryansk airport’s long-term military use of the airport

Militarnyi cited OSINT analysts from the Oko Hora group, noting that satellite imagery showed two objects — likely helicopters — regularly changing positions at the airfield, indicating long-term deployment and military use of the civil airport.

Militarnyi added that what exactly Russia stored in these airport buildings remains unclear, but the power of the explosions and the detonation observed by eyewitnesses suggest that an ammunition depot may have been present, possibly leading to the destruction and damage to Russian aircraft.

Ukraine has resumed targeting Russian fuel infrastructure after a months-long pause, hitting the Engels oil depot used by strategic bombers, involved in last night’s deadly missile strikes against Ukraine, while drone attacks continued across other military airfields and industrial defense sites in at least six Russian oblasts overnight on 6 June.

Engels fuel depot set ablaze again as Ukraine resumes strikes on oil facilities

Overnight on 6 June, Ukrainian forces launched a drone attack on the Kristall oil depot in the city of Engels, Saratov Oblast, situated more than 600 km from Ukraine. The site supplies fuel to the Engels-2 air base, home to Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers used by Russia to fire cruise missiles on Ukraine.

The attack triggered a massive fire. Telegram channels, including Russian Astra and Ukrainian sources, published videos showing at least three fuel tanks on fire, with large flames and thick smoke rising from the site.

According to Astra, the strike was carried out using drones and caused a fire at the industrial fuel storage facility. NASA’s FIRMS wildfire detection satellites identified thermal anomalies at the facility.

Saratov Oblast Governor Roman Busargin confirmed a fire had broken out at “one of the industrial enterprises in Engels” following a drone strike but did not identify the specific site. Social media users shared additional footage showing the scale of the blaze.

The Engels depot itself had previously been targeted twice in January 2025.

• The first attack, on 8 January, destroyed three fuel tanks of 120,000 cubic meters each and damaged six more, resulting in the loss of an estimated 800,000 tons of fuel.
• A second drone strike occurred on 14 January, while the fire from the first attack was still burning. 

UK intel: Ukraine’s Engels-2 airbase strike marks 2025’s most successful ammo depot attack yet

Explosions and fires at multiple Russian airbases and military areas

Explosions and fires were reported overnight across various Russian locations hosting airfields or military infrastructure, though specific confirmed damage varied by site.

• Bryansk Oblast: Explosions were heard near the airport in Bryansk around midnight. Videos shared on social media captured a large blast, similar to an explosion of surface-to-air missiles, and of secondary blasts following the initial impacts. Astra reported the area was targeted by Ukraine’s defense forces.

• Ryazan Oblast: Local residents reported drone activity and fires in the Dyagilevo district, home to the Dyagilevo air base. A separate fire was also reported in the vicinity of the village of Podvyazye after what was described as a drone attack.

• Tambov Oblast: Telegram channel Supernova+ shared footage from Michurinsk and reported that drones struck the Progress plant there, which manufactures equipment for aircraft and missile control systems, as well as for gas and oil pipeline infrastructure. According to Exilenova, the strike hit the central workshop, leading to a roof collapse. Images showed fire damage and signs of electronic warfare systems operating at the time of the strike.

• Moscow Oblast: Readers of Astra from Naro-Fominsk reported explosions. Russia’s aviation authority Rosaviatsia imposed temporary flight restrictions at Domodedovo and Zhukovsky (Ramenskoye) airports “to ensure civilian flight safety.” Those restrictions were later lifted. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that six drones targeting the Russian capital were destroyed. He later claimed that an additional three drones aimed at the Moscow region were also intercepted.

• Kaluga Oblast: The oblast’s governor stated that five drones were shot down near the border of Obninsk and Borovsky Raion. One drone’s debris fell on a roadway, damaging four vehicles. No serious injuries were reported among the passengers.

Unconfirmed rail sabotage: train derailment in Belgorod 

In Belgorod Oblast, a reserve locomotive derailed in Prokhorovsky Raion. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov claimed the likely cause was the detonation of an explosive device planted under the tracks. No casualties occurred. Train traffic was delayed by approximately 2.5 hours, but all services have since resumed. Track repair work began shortly after the incident. There is no confirmation that this was not an incident.

The announcement by the German government, in addition to similar steps by the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, finally lifts the taboo on the use of Western weapons for military purposes on the territory of the aggressor. 

As a direct result of these delays, last summer Ukrainians were forced to live with power cuts lasting up to 4-6 hours. This is not just an inconvenience — bur a major blow to the economy, social stability, and the nation’s morale.

Explore further

Ukraine will fight with or without the West – but with you, we’re invincible

Why air defence system is not enough anymore

According to The Economist, a year ago, 30 drones per night was seen as unusual. Today, hundreds of Shahed and dozens of missiles are the new reality. Only on 25 May, the Kremlin fired 298 drones and 69 missiles at Ukraine — one of the all-time records.

Their quantity, however, remains the main problem. The Kremlin used to produce about 300 Shaheds a month; now it takes less than three days to produce the same number.

According to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Russia plans to increase production to 500 drones per day. Even if this is an exaggeration, it is clear that the numbers will increase significantly. No air defence system, no matter how sophisticated, can cope with this number of targets.

Likewise, Ukraine’s partners simply have no time to produce interceptor drones in the required quantity. Each missile or drone that Ukraine shoots down is a huge resource that is much more expensive than the attacked object. It’s a race for life, and Ukraine can’t win if it only defends itself.

Explore further

Raw power is back—if you want peace, prepare for war

Strike at the heart of the threat

There is no time for hesitation. A new strategy, with the necessary weapons and funding, is the way to truly defend Ukraine and bring peace.

Victoria Voytsistska

Victoria Voytsitska is the Advocacy Director for the energy sector at the International…

Editor’s note. The opinions expressed in our Opinion section belong to their authors. Euromaidan Press’ editorial team may or may not share them.

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Following Ukraine’s 1 June high-profile Spiderweb drone operation that targeted nuclear-capable Russian bombers deep inside Russian territory, US President Donald Trump has not issued any public comment. Meanwhile, MAGA influencers are reacting with suspicion, warnings, and accusations of US involvement, Axios reported late on 2 June.

While officials and media in Ukraine praised the operation’s scale and success, voices within Trump’s MAGA movement sharply criticized it, according to Axios. Some expressed anger that Trump had not been informed of the strike in advance. Others framed the event as a provocation with potential global consequences.

Influencers speculate about US role

On Steve Bannon’s “War Room,” pro-Trump commentator Jack Posobiec questioned the possibility of US involvement in planning. Charlie Kirk, a leading MAGA activist, said, “Seems very much on the interior of Russia. I sure hope America had nothing to do with it.”

Rogan O’Handley, who runs the DC Draino account, claimed — without providing evidence — that the strike was “intentionally conducted to drag America into WW3.” Former Pentagon official Dan Caldwell warned of direct risks: “US should not only distance itself from this attack but end any support that could directly or indirectly enable attacks against Russian strategic nuclear forces.”

Meet First Contact’s Osa: Ukrainian FPV drone used to strike Russian bombers in Spiderweb operation

Longstanding MAGA hostility toward Zelenskyy and Ukraine

Axios noted that MAGA-aligned figures have consistently criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and framed Ukraine as a corrupt and untrustworthy actor. Military actions by Ukraine, even against legitimate military targets, often provoke stronger backlash within the Trump-aligned sphere than Russian daily strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.

“Zelensky and any Ukrainian military operations against Russian troops have been met with hostility from MAGA for years,” Axios wrote.

Trump himself has issued occasional criticism of Russian attacks but remains largely quiet on many events involving Ukraine

Axios highlighted growing pressure on Trump from different factions within the Republican Party. While some GOP senators advocate for tougher stances on Russia, the MAGA base demands disengagement from Ukraine and views the country with deep suspicion.

A new report by Defense Express identifies Ukrainian Osa (“Wasp”) FPV drones produced by First Contact as the likely unmanned aircraft used in the Security Service of Ukraine’s (SBU) highly successful 1 June Spiderweb operation targeting Russian strategic bombers on their home bases.

Visual confirmation of drone model through unique design

Based on images from the preparation phase of the operation within Russian territory, Defense Express highlights drone units stored in hive-like structures under the roofs of mock pre-made houses, which were delivered by trucks to areas near Russian airbases.

Trojan truck op: Kyiv destroys “34%” of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet within hours with truck-launched FPV drones (updated)

According to Defense Express, these images reveal distinctive elements matching the Osa drone, including its thick enclosed frame housing all electronics, a fixed power port, and a front-placed antenna near the camera, rather than the usual rear placement.

Unlike most other FPVs that use an open skeletal frame and top-mounted cables, the Osa employs a sealed construction, which Defense Express argues made it more suited for long-distance transport inside trucks and resilient enough for use in various weather conditions.

Combat capability and final preparation on Russian soil

Further confirmation came through a high-resolution photo published by Censor.net. A bottom-up view of the drone reveals unique ventilation holes and confirms the presence of integrated skids, which served as shaped-charge warheads, according to a reader clarification. Defense Express notes that final drone assembly or arming still occurred on Russian territory prior to deployment.

Specifications support suitability for the mission

According to the manufacturer, the Osa FPV drone is capable of carrying up to 3.3 kg of payload, remaining airborne for 15 minutes, and reaching speeds of up to 42 m/s (approximately 150 km/h). These capabilities allow it to maintain stability and control even in stormy conditions — key requirements for a strike operation executed deep within Russian territory.

Potential use of AI for targeting

Defense Express also cites indications that the drones involved in the Spiderweb operation may have utilized artificial intelligence to locate, identify, and target vulnerable areas on enemy aircraft. First Contact, the manufacturer of the Osa drone, was already developing and testing AI-enabled drones as of January 2024, suggesting the firm likely had deployable systems by the time of the attack.

Independent sources reinforce drone identification

In addition to the visual and technical analysis, Defense Express consulted internal sources familiar with the operation. These sources confirmed the high likelihood that the Osa drones produced by First Contact were the exact type used in the deep-strike mission targeting strategic bomber bases.

Some Ukrainians and Westerners alike have dubbed the 1 June audacious attack on Russian strategic bombers the “Trojan truck” operation, referencing the disguised long-haul vehicles that delivered drones straight close to Russia’s strategic airbases. The destroyed Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers have been used to bomb Ukraine since 2022.

Many Russians called it their “Pearl Harbor.” However, unlike Japan’s unprovoked attack on the US naval base in 1941, Ukraine hit back at bombers responsible for missile strikes on civilian cities.

Ukraine says 41 Russian bombers destroyed in record-range drone strike using disguised trucks

According to the SBU and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s most far-reaching drone strike to date destroyed 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers at their home airfields.

Breaking: Russian strategic bombers ablaze en masse under SBU drone attack (video)

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) sources said earlier today that the operation destroyed “over 40” Russian military aircraft across multiple airbases. 

So far, seven aircraft have been visually confirmed destroyed, according to Ukrainian OSINT sources, with upcoming satellite imagery expected to verify additional damage.

Zelenskyy: “Absolutely brilliant” op planned inside Russia, right next to FSB

In a Telegram post and national video address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the operation as “absolutely brilliant” and “unique.” He said planning lasted one year, six months, and nine days, and that Ukrainian operatives had been safely extracted from Russian territory before launch.

“Our people operated on the territory of various Russian regions — across three time zones. On the eve of the operation, our personnel were withdrawn from Russian territory, and those who assisted us are now safe,” Zelenskyy said.

He revealed that the strike was coordinated from inside Russia, “right next to an FSB office” in one of the oblasts. Zelenskyy praised SBU chief General Vasyl Maliuk for leading the mission and said it would go into history books. He instructed the SBU to publish available public details.

117 drones reportedly used, 34% of missile-carrying bombers hit in Operation Web

The SBU named the mission Operation Spiderweb (Pavutyna) and confirmed it was executed across three Russian time zones. The operation used 117 drones to target strategic bombers capable of launching cruise missiles, according to Zelenskyy.

SBU states that 34% of Russia’s strategic missile-carrying aviation was damaged or destroyed. The value of affected aircraft was estimated at $7 billion. In a defiant message, the agency quoted Ukrainian author Lina Kostenko:

“Did you think Ukraine would be that easy? Ukraine is something extraordinary. Ukraine is one of a kind. It has been run over by every steamroller of history. It has endured every kind of trial. It is tempered by the highest forge. ”

Confirmed losses: at least 8 aircraft destroyed at Olenya and Belaya

Open-source intelligence analysts confirmed the destruction of eight Russian aircraft as of 18:00:

• 5 Tu-95MS strategic bombers
• 2 Tu-22M3 bombers
• 1 An-12 transport aircraft

Destruction was confirmed at two airbases — Belaya in Irkutsk Oblast and Olenya in Murmansk Oblast — via available combat footage and satellite imagery. OSINT Dnipro reported fires in areas where additional aircraft, including Tu-160s, were parked, suggesting the final number may rise. The channel dismissed rumors of 40 destroyed planes as “nonsense” but said 10+ is likely.

In any case, the satellite images will settle the final score.

Belaya airbase: at least three bombers destroyed in Irkutsk Oblast

OSINT analysis confirmed that two Tu-22M3 and one Tu-95MS bombers were destroyed during the Ukrainian attack. Fires were observed at parking areas used by additional aircraft.

Olenya airbase: at least four aircraft destroyed in Murmansk Oblast

The Olenya airbase, located on the Kola Peninsula, hosts strategic bombers from several regiments under the 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Division.

Confirmed destruction includes three Tu-95MS bombers and one An-12 transport aircraft. The base may have also housed Tu-160 and additional Tu-22M3 aircraft at the time of the strike.

Trojan trucks and AI-trained drones

Footage and OSINT confirmed that Ukraine used long-haul trucks and trailers to secretly deliver drones near Russian airfields. Once in position, the trucks served as launch platforms, releasing FPV drones at close range to evade Russian long- and medium-range air defenses.

In Irkutsk and Murmansk oblasts, videos showed drones launched from trucks, followed by self-destruction of the vehicles by fire.

Telegram channel Clash Report also stated that AI targeting systems were trained using real aircraft at the Poltava Museum of Long-Range and Strategic Aviation, which displays Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers — the same models targeted in the operation. 

Drones assembled inside Russia: Chelyabinsk warehouse geolocated

Ukrainian Telegram channels analyzed photos related to the operation that surfaced earlier today — including images showing drone containers — and identified a warehouse facility inside Russia that matched the visuals. The facility was geolocated to a warehouse in Chelyabinsk Oblast, at 28A Sverdlovsky Trakt, reportedly rented by the company Dan-Invest. The facility is located near the Kazakhstan border, which may have served as a supply route for components.

This supports President Zelenskyy’s claim that drones and launchers were assembled on Russian territory. 

Failed strike attempt in Amur Oblast caught on video

In Russia’s Far East, a drone strike attempt near the Ukrainka airbase in Amur Oblast failed. Video shows a truck on fire, followed by an explosion when a man tries to open the trailer.

The vehicle is believed to have been another disguised launcher that failed to reach its intended point.

Four airbases were reportedly targeted in drone operation

On 1 June, Russian authorities reported drone attacks in four oblasts. Ukrainian intelligence sources told Suspilne that the SBU coordinated a multi-target operation against Russian long-range aviation at:

• Belaya (Irkutsk Oblast)
• Olenya (Murmansk Oblast)
• Dyagilevo (Ryazan Oblast)
• Ivanovo airbase (Ivanovo Oblast)

Sources claimed over 40 aircraft were hit, including A-50 early warning planes, Tu-95MS, and Tu-22M3 bombers. Also, a fire was reported at an airbase in Voskresensk, Moscow Oblast.

As of now, independently confirmed destruction is limited to Olenya and Belaya, with additional data expected from satellite review.

Update:

Russia downplays the Ukrainian air assault

Russia’s Defense Ministry called the Ukrainian attack on purely military facilities, hosting hardware used against Ukraine, a “terrorist act.“

The Ministry claimed that all drone attacks on airfields in Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur oblasts were successfully “repelled.” However, it admitted that fires broke out at airbases in Murmansk and Irkutsk after FPV drones were launched from areas “in direct proximity” to the sites, and “several units of aircraft equipment caught fire.”

MoD insisted the fires were quickly extinguished and there were no casualties. It also announced that “some participants in the terror attacks” had been ostensibly detained.

Ukraine strikes Russian strategic bomber airbases in Murmansk and Irkutsk Oblasts with kamikaze drones, targeting aircraft about 2,000 and over 4,000 km from the frontline. Footage from the sites shows massive fires and burning aircraft. The operation has been conducted by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), according to unofficial reports.

Drone attacks in Olenya and Belaya airbases

Ukrainian FPV kamikaze drones attacked strategic bomber airbases deep within Russian territory, according to reports by Ukrainian and Russian Telegram channels. The strikes targeted the Olenya airbase in Murmansk Oblast—approximately 2,000 km north of Ukraine—and the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk Oblast, located 4,300 km to the east. 

Residents near Belaya reportedly captured footage of FPV drones hitting the airfield, followed by multiple explosions. The Olenya airbase was also struck, and open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysts from Cyberboroshno identified the location in videos showing destroyed strategic bombers.

One of the videos, published by multiple Telegram channels, shows drone footage of fires at Belaya airbase, with voice-over commentary by SBU head Vasyl Maliuk, confirming the strike.

FPV drones were delivered to both bases by motor vehicles

In Irkutsk, Supernova+ reported that a long-haul truck stopped near the Belaya airbase and began launching FPV drones from its trailer, which then targeted parked aircraft and facilities on-site.

Similar accounts emerged from Murmansk Oblast. In one video, the narrator states:

“A long-haul truck arrived in Olenegorsk, the driver is running around frantically, FPV drones are flying out of his truck. The traffic police have just arrested him. He says, ‘I was told to come here, that someone would meet me. The drones are flying out one after another.’“

Visual evidence, allegedly from this attack indicated it was not a truck but a van towing a trailer in Murmansk Oblast. Later, it turned out that the images of the van were old.

Damage to aircraft and confirmed targets

According to analysis of the available video materials, at least four Tu-95 strategic bombers—used by Russia to conduct missile strikes on Ukrainian territory—were reportedly destroyed at Olenya airbase, Militarnyi says.

Ukrainian Telegram channel Supernova+ published multiple videos from both Murmansk and Irkutsk Oblasts, claiming there were at least 10 explosions at Olenya.

Another channel, Exilenova+, posted footage of Tu-95MS bombers engulfed in flames at Olenegorsk, Murmansk Oblast.

Russian Migalovo airbase hit by kamikaze drones, reports confirm (video)

First drone strike in Irkutsk Oblast

This marks the first time Irkutsk Oblast has been attacked by drones since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

Russian site Meduza says the drones were reportedly spotted in the Usolsky district, with settlements such as Sredniy and Novomaltinsk coming under attack. The Belaya military airfield in this area houses Tu-22M3 bombers.

SBU operation “Web” targets Russian bombers

Ukrainian publication Babel, citing sources within the SBU, reported that the strikes were part of a planned special operation dubbed “Pautyna” (“Web”), carried out on 1 June.

Babel’s report added that the FPV drones were deployed to target aircraft involved in bombing Ukrainian cities and towns. The damages from this operation are estimated to exceed $2 billion, according to the source. 

Read the follow-up:

“Trojan truck attack”: Ukraine used AI-trained FPV drones launched from trucks to destroy “34%” of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet in a day

Russia experienced another consecutive night of drone attacks on 29 May, with explosions in Moscow Oblast and a major fire breaking out at the Avangard plant in Saint Petersburg, according to officials and Telegram sources.

Drone attacks in Moscow Oblast

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced that “an attack by three drones” was repelled around 01:56 local time. He stated that “no serious damage or injuries” were reported and that emergency teams were working at the scene of the debris fall. Sobyanin later confirmed that, “as a result of the interception of an enemy drone, there were no serious damages or casualties in a building on Vernadsky Avenue,” referencing the Mirax Park residential complex.

Russian Telegram channels showed footage of the complex with damage to its facade. The Astra Telegram channel, citing its readers, noted the proximity—about 800 meters—of a military academy of the Russian General Staff.

Another drone debris reportedly hit a residential building in Moscow’s Odintsovo. SHOT Telegram reported:

“Fiery drone fragments fell near a residential building on Chistyakova Street and damaged several cars.”

Meanwhile, Supernova+, a Ukrainian Telegram channel, published videos of those explosions at the top floors of residential buildings in Moscow, claiming they were caused by Russian Pantsir S1 anti-air missiles hitting the structures.

Additional explosions were reported by pro-Russian media in Aprelevka and Zvenigorod in Moscow Oblast.

At 07:18, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that 48 drones were intercepted between 20:00 on 28 May and the early hours of 29 May, with most of them – 30 – allegedly shot down in Belgorod Oblast. The Ministry claimed only three interceptions in Moscow Oblast.

Flight disruptions at Vnukovo and Kaluga airports

Russian aviation representative Artem Korenyako confirmed that the “Carpet” protocol was activated at Vnukovo Airport around 01:50. According to pro-Kremlin Telegram sources, 14 departures and 20 arrivals were delayed. By 03:10, restrictions at Vnukovo were lifted, though similar measures were later enacted at Kaluga Airport.

Fire at Avangard defense electronics plant in Saint Petersburg

Separately, a fire erupted at the Avangard plant in Saint Petersburg around 01:00, with Astra claiming the causes of the blaze were unknown. SHOT Telegram reported that flames broke out in areas used for microchip production. Witnesses described “loud explosions” before the fire. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Saint Petersburg, “firefighting is underway in a production building at 72 Kondratyevsky Avenue. The fifth floor of the six-story structure is burning across an area of 100 square meters.”

Astra reported that the fire was first reported at 23:49 on 28 May. The response involved 11 fire trucks and 41 personnel, taking six hours to extinguish the blaze. No casualties were reported. Russian sources stated the incident was not related to the drone attacks.

Avangard is classified as a Federal scientific-industrial center and produces radio electronics, microchip technologies, and structural components for Russia’s defense systems.

Prior drone attacks on 27–28 May

On 28 May, Ukrainian drones targeted the Kronshtadt drone plant in Dubna, Moscow Oblast, causing explosions. That same morning, Zelenograd’s Elma technopark was hit, resulting in a fire and structural damage.

Today, Supernova+ released satellite imagery showing the aftermath of the attack on the Kronshtadt plant, stating: “Damage [is visible] on satellite images, eight holes in the roof. Eight drones out of ten, each carrying 40 kg warheads, struck the target precisely.”

Earlier, on 27 May, kamikaze drones struck the Murom Instrument-Building Plant, nearly 700 kilometers from Ukraine.

On 27 May, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 99 Ukrainian drones between 20:00 on 26 May and 07:00 on 27 May. Despite these efforts, several airports in Russia were temporarily closed as a result of the ongoing drone strikes. Local sources confirmed air defense activity, but there were no immediate reports of damage from the attack.

Drone attacks hit Tula and Voronezh oblasts, explosions reported

Drone strikes targeted several Russian regions overnight, including the Tula and Voronezh oblasts. Explosions were reported in the cities of Novomoskovsk and Uzlovaya in Tula, as well as in Borisoglebsk in Voronezh. Also, one drone being shot down was captured on video in Murom.

Local residents described hearing multiple explosions, with flashes visible in the sky. Russian officials from Tula and Voronezh stated that over 20 drones were detected over four municipalities in Voronezh, with debris from one downed drone sparking a forest fire in the east of the oblast. The fire was quickly extinguished, according to regional authorities.

Russian airports close as a result of the drone threat

In response to the drone attack, airports in several Russian regions were temporarily closed for safety. The Russian authorities imposed restrictions on civilian air traffic in airports located in Kaluga, Nizhny Novgorod, Saratov, and Tambov. However, by the morning of 27 May, air traffic in Saratov resumed as the restrictions were lifted.

The Russian aviation agency, Rosaviatsiya, confirmed that safety measures were taken across several airports.

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Military

Ukrainian attack targets Russian facility 800 kilometers from border that supplies gunpowder manufacturers. Ukrainian drones struck the same Russian chemical facility for the second time in five months, hitting a plant that supplies materials for military explosives production.

Ukrainian drones target Splav rocket plant in Russia’s Tula for the third time this month. Geolocated video suggests the same workshop was hit last night as in a prior attack on NPO Splav site. Alternatively, one of the Russian equipment storage bases might have been a target.

Drones hit Russia’s Shahed drone factory 1,200 km from Ukraine again. The facility in Tatarstan’s Yelabuga was previously targeted in April.

Ukraine faces third consecutive night of massive Russian drone attacks. Russian forces conducted their most extensive missile and drone strikes of the full-scale war over the past 48 hours. Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, and Kharkiv oblasts sustained another Russian attack overnight on 26 May

German Merz: Ukraine now free to strike deep inside Russia with Western long-range weapons. Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that these strikes only target military infrastructure and not civilians unlike Russian attacks.

ISW: Russia ramps up missile strikes and propaganda in bid to crush Ukrainian morale and Western will. With battlefield progress stalled, Moscow turns to messaging warfare.

As of 26 MAY 2025, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:

• • • Personnel: 981850 (+1000)
    • Tanks: 10858 (+4)
    • APV: 22641 (+8)
    • Artillery systems: 28320 (+51)
    • MLRS: 1397 (+1)
    • Anti-aircraft systems: 1171
    • Aircraft: 372
    • Helicopters: 336
    • UAV: 37631 (+264)
    • Cruise missiles : 3256 (+53)
    • Warships/boats: 28
    • Submarines: 1
    • Vehicles and fuel tanks: 49843 (+92)

Intelligence and technology

Ukraine intelligence: Russia can theoretically mobilize 25 million people. Only 3 million would be combat ready. Since the full-scale invasion began, Moscow mobilized 1.3 million troops and nearly one million of Russian soldiers were killed or wounded during this time, while the Kremlin remains committed to the war of attrition in Ukraine.

Belarus has nuclear carriers but no warheads, says Ukrainian intelligence. Ukraine’s intelligence service says that nuclear weapon carriers including aircraft and Iskander missiles are present in Belarus but no warheads have been deployed there despite Russian deployment agreements.

International

Netherlands sends last batch of F-16s to protect Ukraine amid intensified Russian attacks. The completion of the 24-aircraft donation comes as Ukrainian forces face daily Russian air attacks, with the jets providing enhanced survivability over outdated Soviet aircraft.

Sweden allocates half a billion dollars for Ukraine defense and security. The funding will be distributed across multiple international procurement initiatives rather than direct weapons transfers.

Latvia urges EU to shut visa door on Russians. Latvian interior and foreign ministers cite security risks as grounds for halting all new visas to Russian nationals.

EU warns US: “Peace through strength” only works if Ukraine gets more support. EU defense chief Kubilius says Ukraine’s partners must step up, or peace will remain out of reach.

Merz: Hungary and Slovakia could lose EU funds over pro-Russia stance. EU won’t tolerate Hungary and Slovakia blocking Russia sanctions, the German Chancellor says.

Dutch defense chief seeks to include Zelenskyy to June NATO summit in The Hague. Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated though that Zelenskyy’s participation would likely occur outside the main session with all 32 member states.

Macron: Trump now realizes Putin lied to him about Ukraine peace readiness. French President said this in response to Trump’s recent comments that Putin “has gone absolutely crazy” and “needlessly kills a lot of people” following a deadly 25 May attack on Ukraine.

Trump slams Putin as “crazy” after deadly Russian attack, but also blames Zelenskyy and Biden. He believes something “happened” to Putin, while claiming Zelenskyy worsens the war.

EU Defense Chief: “Russia not as powerful as thought” – won’t win Ukraine war. European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius says the EU must avoid a “chaotic divorce” with America while preparing for reduced US military involvement in European defense.

Read our earlier daily review here.

Overnight on 26 May, a drone strike reportedly hit the NPO Splav facility in Tula, Russia, 340 km from Ukraine, marking the second such attack on the plant this month. The factory produces rockets and Tornado-S multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), heavy “flamethrower” systems (TOS), and guided and unguided aviation rockets.

Ukrainian Telegram channels Supernova+ and Exilenova+ shared footage, published by local residents, showing the moment of the explosion, which took place last night. A woman in the video says “It flies again,” referring to a drone, and then after the distant explosion add, “It’s at the plant.”

Referring to the Ukrainian open-source intelligence (OSINT) community Kyberboroshno, Militarnyi noted that the same workshop was previously struck on 7 April 2025.

Currently, the extent of the damage remains unknown.the extent of the damage remains unknown.

Attempted geolocation

Using video and image analysis, Kyberboroshno geolocated the impact site to coordinates, stating that the explosion occurred on the premises of the same enterprise.

Meanwhile, Supernova+ published its geolocation analysis suggesting other target of the drone attack – the military storage base (military unit 21317) or the 1060th Central Material and Technical Supply Base (military unit 55443-16). This assessment contradicts the eyewitness’s comment in the video, which indicates that the explosion occurred at the plant.

Russian news Telegram channel Astra stated that NASA satellites did not detect fires in the Splav area. However, this report is irrelevant, because NASA FIRMS had already recorded thermal anomalies there in previous days, likely linked to industrial activity — making it impossible to single out fires caused by the drone strike amid numerous existing industrial hotspots.

Third attack on Splav this month

If confirmed, this may have been the third drone attack on NPO Splav in May 2025. The plant was previously hit on 7 May and again overnight on 22 May, when a functioning workshop caught fire. A substation also reportedly caught fire during that attack.

A drone strike reportedly hit the Shahed drone factory in Yelabuga, Tatarstan, marking another attack on a key military facility located in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone. The plant produces Shahed-type kamikaze drones used in daily attacks against Ukraine and has previously been struck multiple times since its construction in 2023.

Russian news Telegram channel Astra reported the attack around 23:15 on 25 May:

“In Tatarstan, a drone attack is presumed, according to channels from the city of Yelabuga,” Astra wrote.

Militarnyi says the first explosions were registered around 22:40 and were initially linked to Russian air defense activity. Then explosions of unknown origin were heard in the area of the Shahed factory. Footage recorded by local residents shows the trail of a surface-to-air missile launched from the area of the facility.

Ukrainian Telegram channel Exillenova+ claimed that, preliminarily, there were several impacts at different points of the plant, based on geolocation of available footage.

As of this morning, Tatarstan authorities have issued no official statements regarding the outcomes or consequences of the strike. At the time of reporting, no official Ukrainian statements on the attack had been released, and the extent of the damage remains unknown.

During the drone attack, the Nizhnekamsk airport in Tatarstan was temporarily closed, as noted by Astra.

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that a total of 96 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed over Russia overnight, including one in Tatarstan.

Previous attacks on Shahed factory

The drone plant previously faced attacks on 23 April 2025. The first drone strike on the Shahed factory occurred in April 2024. The earlier attacks featured insignificant damage to nearby infrastructure, such as a two-story building, reportedly part of a hostel for workers in the Alabuga economic zone.