Ukraine Claims Destruction of 41 Russian Strategic Bombers in Daring Operation

The Ukrainian Security Service has claimed that all personnel involved in the operation have safely returned to Ukraine, dismissing Russian reports of "saboteurs being captured" as mere disinformation. Moreover, Ukrainian media has reported that the Security Service successfully attacked five Russian military airbases in the regions of Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Moscow. Ukraine has estimated that this operation has caused Russia's strategic air force to suffer losses totaling up to $7 billion. President Zelensky announced on social media that the Security Service had informed him of the successful operation, which dealt a significant blow to Russia's strategic aviation capabilities.

The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed that Ukrainian drones attacked airports in several Russian regions, including Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur, resulting in equipment fires at some airports. However, Russia has played down the extent of the damage, stating that the airports in Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur repelled the attacks, and that the fires in Murmansk and Irkutsk were extinguished without any military or civilian casualties. Russian media has disputed Ukraine's claims of destroying 41 aircraft, describing them as "lies" and suggesting that only two Tu-95 strategic bombers and one An-12 transport plane may have been actually destroyed, with other damaged planes capable of being repaired and returning to service.

The situation on the ground has taken a dramatic turn following Ukraine's claim of destroying 41 Russian strategic bombers. Russia, feeling threatened and provoked, has retaliated swiftly, with air raid alerts being reported across Ukraine. The alerts, which began at 18:26, have been sounded in various regions, including Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Chernihiv, Kirovohrad, Sumy, Poltava, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr. The Ukrainian air force has detected ballistic missile threats and high-speed targets in the northeast, and explosions have been reported in Kharkiv.

A US government official has stated that the White House was not informed in advance of Ukraine's plans to launch a large-scale attack on Russia. The official's comments came after Ukraine's national security agency announced on social media that it had launched a special operation against Russia, targeting the country's strategic bombers. Russia has confirmed that one of its airbases in Irkutsk was attacked by Ukrainian drones, and the governor of Irkutsk has stated that this is the first time a military base in the Siberian region has been targeted in such a manner.

Despite the claims and counterclaims, it is clear that the situation on the ground is dire, and the people of Ukraine are bearing the brunt of the conflict. The international community must continue to push for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, while also providing support and aid to those affected by the war. The operation, which was personally coordinated by President Zelensky, involved a high degree of sophistication and strategic importance, reflecting the ongoing escalation and complexities of the conflict.

In related developments, the Russian "Fighting Fake News" website reported on the night of June 1 that an analysis of the videos released by Ukraine confirms that Ukrainian President Zelensky's claim of having destroyed 34% of Russia's long-range aircraft fleet is a outright lie. The Russian media outlet labeled Ukraine's actions as a "web of lies." According to the Russian analysis, Ukraine may have only managed to destroy two Tu-95 strategic bombers and one An-12 transport plane. The remaining damaged aircraft can reportedly be restored to combat readiness after repairs, contradicting Ukraine's claims of significant losses inflicted on the Russian military.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is watching closely, with many nations calling for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The people of Ukraine deserve support and solidarity during this difficult time, and it is essential to remain vigilant and informed, pushing for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The ongoing escalation and complexities of the conflict have led to a cycle of violence and retaliation, and it is essential to find a way to break this cycle and work towards a peaceful resolution.