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On June 3, Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported that Russian forces lost 12 aircraft, though they did not share further details about the types of aircraft or the circumstances of their destruction.
This announcement followed a large-scale drone attack launched by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) on June 1. The operation targeted four Russian air bases, aiming to damage or destroy strategic aviation assets. SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk later stated that 41 aircraft were hit during the attack. These included long-range bombers such as the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, as well as A-50 reconnaissance planes.
According to Maliuk, the operation was a major success, with estimates suggesting around $7 billion worth of damage was inflicted. He also claimed that the drone strikes disabled about one-third of Russia’s fleet of cruise missile-carrying bombers. He described the attack as both a military and symbolic victory, calling it “a serious slap in the face” to Russia’s military power and global image.
Although Ukraine’s General Staff did not specify which aircraft were destroyed in its June 3 update, other Ukrainian officials have provided more context. Andrii Kovalenko, an official from Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council and head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, said that at least 13 Russian aircraft were confirmed destroyed, with more sustaining damage.
As of now, independent verification of the full extent of the damage is limited. However, satellite images taken after the strikes show that at least three Tu-95MS strategic bombers and one Tu-22M3 aircraft were completely destroyed at Russia’s Belaya air base. Another Tu-95MS bomber appears to be heavily damaged. These satellite images offer the most reliable visual evidence available to confirm Ukraine’s claims.
The attack marked a significant escalation in Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory and hit high-value targets. Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers are central to Russia’s long-range bombing capabilities and have been used to launch cruise missiles against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure throughout the war. The A-50 reconnaissance aircraft play a key role in Russia’s surveillance and early warning systems.
While Russia has not officially confirmed the losses, the impact of losing multiple strategic bombers and reconnaissance aircraft could temporarily weaken its airstrike capabilities and delay future missile attacks. Damaging or destroying these specific types of aircraft also reduces Russia’s ability to monitor and respond to battlefield changes, especially from long distances.
The operation highlights the growing use of drones in modern warfare. Ukraine has increasingly relied on domestically made long-range drones to strike military targets inside Russia. These drones are a cost-effective way to disrupt Russia’s supply chains, logistics, and strategic airpower without putting pilots or expensive fighter jets at risk.
This latest strike reflects Ukraine’s evolving tactics and its efforts to bring the war closer to key Russian military infrastructure. Though exact figures and full verification are still developing, the attack appears to be one of the most damaging air operations carried out by Ukraine since the start of the war.
In summary, Ukraine’s drone attack on June 1 dealt a major blow to Russian strategic aviation. While full independent verification is ongoing, initial evidence supports Ukraine’s claims of significant damage. This strike could have lasting effects on Russia’s ability to conduct long-range air missions and may mark a turning point in the use of drone warfare in the conflict.