Ukraine Launches Drone Strikes on Air Bases Deep Inside Russia

The series of attacks took place just one day before the U.S. government had brokered for both sides to sit down for face-to-face negotiations.

Smoke rises above the area following what local authorities called a drone attack on a military unit in the Sredny settlement, in the Usolsky district of the Irkutsk region, Russia, in this still image from a video published on June 1, 2025. Governor of Irkutsk Region Igor Kobzev via Telegram/Handout via Reuters

Ukraine launched a massive drone strike on June 1, hitting multiple Russian airbases, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. It was Ukraine’s first strike more than 2,670 miles from the front lines.

On June 1, Russia also launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine since its invasion in February 2022, sending 472 drones into Ukrainian territory, according to Ukraine’s air force. Yuriy Ignat, head of communications for the air force, said Russian forces also sent seven missiles along with the drone swarm.