Ukrainian forces have destroyed dozens of Russian fighter jets stationed at air bases thousands of kilometers from the front lines, a source in the country's security services told CNN, in one of Kiev's most daring and sophisticated counterattacks since the start of the war.
In the operation dubbed "Spider Web," the drones struck targets across much of Russia, including Belaya, which is closer to Japan than Ukraine, and the Olenya base near Murmansk in the Arctic Circle, according to the source.
More than 40 Russian aircraft were "burning en masse" at four air bases, the source said.
The SBU, Ukraine's domestic intelligence agency, said the attacks caused about $7 billion in damage and hit 34% of Russia's strategic cruise missile carriers at its main air bases.
The drone strikes came on the eve of peace talks expected to take place in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine, which were already strained by uncertainty and pressure from US President Donald Trump. (A2 Televizion)
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