A recent drone attack by Ukraine on a Russian airbase damaged fewer warplanes than originally claimed, according to United States officials. The strike took place over the weekend and targeted a major Russian military airfield. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had announced that more than 20 Russian aircraft were destroyed in the attack. However, two US officials told Reuters that only about 10 warplanes were actually destroyed, while another 10 were damaged.
Despite the smaller number, American officials said the strike was still a major success for Ukraine. It showed Ukraine’s growing ability to hit valuable military targets deep inside Russian territory. The drone attack is part of a broader Ukrainian strategy that relies on low-cost, unmanned aircraft to weaken Russian military strength.
The strike happened at an airbase believed to be close to the Ukrainian border, though the exact location was not confirmed. Ukraine reportedly used a group of drones launched from different directions to confuse Russian defenses and maximize the damage. This tactic has been used before in other attacks, especially on fuel depots and radar sites.
One US official described the attack as highly important and warned it might change how Russia approaches ongoing peace talks. These negotiations are being supported by the United States and other Western countries. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has now lasted for more than three years, and efforts to reach a peaceful solution have so far failed to produce lasting results.
In response to the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly called former US President Donald Trump. In a social media post, Trump said Putin warned that Moscow would respond to the drone strike. Trump did not share more details about the call, and the Russian government has not officially confirmed the conversation.
The war in Ukraine began in February 2022 when Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion. Since then, thousands of people have been killed, and millions have fled their homes. Western countries, including the United States and members of the European Union, have supported Ukraine with weapons, intelligence, and financial aid.
Drone attacks have become a key part of Ukraine’s defense. They allow the country to strike faraway targets without risking the lives of pilots or troops. Russia has also used drones in the war, but Ukraine’s use of this technology has been more aggressive in recent months.
Although Ukraine claimed a higher number of destroyed aircraft, US officials said the actual damage was still meaningful. Destroying or damaging 20 planes in one attack can reduce Russia’s ability to carry out airstrikes in the near future. Military experts say even small losses can have a big effect when resources are already stretched.
The US government has not released official images or evidence to support the damage estimate. However, intelligence sources told Reuters that satellite images and other tools were used to assess the aftermath of the attack. These tools help determine the real impact by comparing before-and-after images of the site.
There is concern that Russia may now increase its military response. In the past, Moscow has reacted strongly to attacks on its military facilities. Additional missile strikes or air raids on Ukrainian cities could happen in the coming days. Ukrainian officials have warned people to stay alert and prepare for possible retaliation.
The strike also affects peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Some experts believe that the success of the drone attack may give Ukraine more power at the negotiating table. On the other hand, it could also cause Russia to take a tougher stance or delay further discussions. The situation remains uncertain, and much will depend on how both sides respond in the days ahead.
The drone attack has once again shown how new military technology can change the direction of war. With low-cost drones, Ukraine has been able to hit back against a larger and better-equipped army. This success might inspire more countries to invest in drone warfare as part of their military planning.
As the war continues, both sides are looking for ways to gain an advantage. Ukraine’s use of drones is just one part of a larger plan to weaken Russia’s ability to fight. For now, the latest strike is seen as a symbolic and tactical victory, even if the numbers were less than first reported.
