Ukraine launched aerial attacks on Russia's key air bases

Today, Ukraine conducted an exceptionally impressive drone attack targeting four Russian air bases—Olenya in Murmansk, Belaya in Irkutsk, Dyagilevo in Ryazan, and Ivanovo—striking deep within Russian territory. The operation, dubbed "Spider’s Web" by Ukrainian security officials, was orchestrated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and reportedly destroyed or damaged over 40 Russian military aircraft, including Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and A-50 strategic bombers, with estimated losses to Russia’s air force around $7 billion. The drones, hidden in wooden sheds with retractable roofs and transported by trucks to the bases’ perimeters, were remotely launched in a meticulously planned assault that took over 18 months to prepare, showcasing Ukraine’s growing capability to conduct long-range strikes.

The attack, one of the most significant Ukrainian operations of the war, coincided with heightened tensions as both nations prepared for cease-fire talks in Istanbul on June 2. Russian authorities confirmed the strikes, reporting fires at several airfields but claiming no casualties and that some attacks were repelled. Social media footage verified by news outlets showed explosions and burning aircraft, with Russian Telegram channels likening the assault to a "Pearl Harbor" for their air force. Ukraine’s strategic move aimed to disrupt Russia’s ability to launch aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities, signaling Kyiv’s resolve to escalate militarily despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, while exposing vulnerabilities in Russia’s air defenses.

Ukraine outlined the list of conditions ahead of the peace talks in Istanbul

Ukraine has outlined its key conditions ahead of tomorrow’s negotiations with Russia in Istanbul, according to Reuters. These include a 30-day ceasefire, a full prisoner exchange based on the “all-for-all” principle, a direct meeting between Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, no restrictions on Ukrainian military operations, no recognition of Russian-occupied territories, reparations from Russia for war damages, and a ceasefire negotiated along the current front line. The Russian delegation has reportedly already departed for Turkey to attend the talks.

Ukraine shot down 385 Russian drones and missiles in the record overnight attack

On the night of 31 May to 1 June 2025, Russian forces launched a record 479 aerial weapons against Ukraine in a massive overnight assault, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The attack began at 19:30 and included 472 Shahed-type attack and decoy drones launched from various locations in Russia, as well as three Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles and four Kh-101 and Iskander-K cruise missiles. Ukrainian air defences successfully neutralized 385 aerial threats—shooting down 210 drones and three cruise missiles, while 172 additional drones were either jammed or vanished from radar without causing any recorded damage. The strikes targeted multiple oblasts across the country, including Kharkiv, Sumy, Zhytomyr, Odesa, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia.

12 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, 60 were injured after Russian missile strike on training center

A Russian missile hit a Ukrainian military training ground on the morning of June 1, killing 12 and injuring 60 service members, Ukraine's Land Forces reported.

The location of the strike and the missile type were not disclosed. Authorities stated that no large gatherings were underway at the time, and most personnel had taken shelter after alarms sounded.

An investigation is underway, and officials warned that if negligence is found, those responsible will face consequences.

A similar attack in late May killed six soldiers at a shooting range in Sumy Oblast.