A Ukrainian official says the country’s recent drone attack on Russian bases caused an estimated $7 billion in damage. According to CNN, the official stated that 34% of Russia’s bombers capable of carrying cruise missiles were targeted in the operation.
The attack demonstrated Ukraine’s continued ability to pressure Russia despite Moscow’s increased offensive operations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the strike, called “Operation Spider Web,” helped restore trust among Kyiv’s allies and showed Ukraine’s capacity to continue fighting.
Following talks in Istanbul, Zelensky announced that Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, with potential for another 200 swaps. He added that Ukrainian negotiators presented Russia with a list of about 400 children they wanted returned, but Russia agreed to send back only 10.
Separately, Ukrainian sources and unofficial reports indicated a fire broke out at a Russian bomber base in Siberia. Pro-Russian bloggers reported Ukraine attacked nuclear-capable bombers at the Siberian base on Sunday. Social media footage showed Russian strategic bombers burning at the Belaya air base near Irkutsk.
A Ukrainian intelligence source claimed the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) conducted a drone operation against more than 40 Russian military aircraft. The source said the targeted planes included Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers, which Russia uses for long-range missile strikes on Ukraine.