Ukraine launched a wave of drone and missile strikes on several Russian air bases in a daring cross-border assault early Thursday, marking one of the most extensive attacks deep inside Russian territory since the full-scale war began in 2022.
According to Ukrainian military sources quoted by domestic media, the coordinated strikes targeted strategic airfields in the Voronezh, Kursk, and Saratov regions, causing significant damage to runways, fuel depots, and aircraft. Independent satellite imagery circulating on social media appeared to corroborate damage at at least two of the sites.
In a statement released Thursday morning, Ukraine’s military said the strikes were intended to degrade Russia’s capacity to launch air raids against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
“This is a message that Russian military assets used to attack our people are no longer safe, no matter how far from the frontline they are,” said a senior Ukrainian defense official speaking on condition of anonymity.
The Russian Ministry of Defense acknowledged the attacks but claimed that most incoming drones were intercepted by air defense systems. In its official statement, Moscow described the incident as a “terrorist provocation” and said the attacks had “limited impact.”
Local officials in the Kursk and Saratov regions confirmed explosions overnight, with some residents reporting power outages and emergency responses near military installations. There were unconfirmed reports of casualties among air base personnel.
The strikes come amid heightened tensions along the frontlines, as Ukraine attempts to regain momentum after months of grinding stalemate in the east and south of the country. Analysts say this latest escalation signals a bolder shift in Ukrainian military tactics, increasingly targeting infrastructure inside Russia proper.
ALSO READ: Russia warns Trump of World War III
“Ukraine is demonstrating that its long-range capabilities—possibly with Western support—are growing,” said Elena Petrov, a Russian military analyst. “Moscow will now be forced to reconsider the security of its rear bases.”
Western officials have not publicly commented on the latest strikes, though several NATO diplomats reiterated that Ukraine has the right to defend itself, including by striking military targets used to launch attacks on its territory.
Russia, meanwhile, has accused the West of enabling the strikes through the provision of intelligence and long-range drones, a claim that NATO countries have neither confirmed nor denied.
In a televised address Thursday afternoon, Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed a “harsh response” if such attacks continue, raising fears of further escalation.
This is not the first time Ukrainian forces have struck targets on Russian soil, but Thursday’s attacks appear to be the most coordinated and far-reaching to date. In the past, Kyiv has targeted oil refineries, radar stations, and logistical hubs, primarily in border regions.
The Ukrainian government has maintained that such strikes are necessary to reduce the threat posed by Russian aerial bombardments and to bring the war closer to its aggressors.
The success and scale of the operation could mark a turning point in Ukraine’s strategic posture, especially if Kyiv begins targeting more critical Russian infrastructure further from the frontline.
As both sides brace for summer offensives, the possibility of tit-for-tat escalation—both militarily and diplomatically—remains high.