Ukraine Launches Largest Drone Attack on Russia Yet
Major Drone Assault on Russia
On Sunday, Ukraine executed its most extensive drone strike against Russia to date. The Ukrainian forces claim to have deployed over 100 drones simultaneously, targeting various Russian military installations and aircraft. Reports indicate that this assault resulted in damage to at least 40 Russian bombers. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the attack, labeling it a 'terrorist act.' According to their statements, Ukraine conducted strikes in regions such as Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur.
Critique of Russian Security
Vladimir Milov, a former deputy energy minister of Russia who previously served in Putin's administration, expressed in an interview with a news channel that this incident highlights the failures of Russia's security apparatus. He described the situation as a significant embarrassment for Russia and suggested that a robust and aggressive response from Russia towards Ukraine could be imminent.
Previous Setbacks for Russia
Milov noted that this is not the first instance where Ukraine has caught Russia off guard. Ukrainian forces had previously maintained control in the Kursk region for an extended period. Drone attacks on airbases near Moscow have become increasingly frequent, with Milov stating that Russian military sites are targeted by Ukrainian forces at least once or twice a week.
Russian Media and Officials React
Following the attack, there has been a visible surge of anger among Russian state media and officials. Milov pointed out that Russian television is now filled with outrage, with calls for retaliation. A former KGB agent publicly declared that Ukraine should be completely eradicated, arguing that only total destruction could compensate for this humiliation.
Potential Actions by Putin
Milov believes that Russia currently lacks the capacity for significant ground operations due to limited troop numbers. Consequently, Putin may resort to missile strikes and bombings of peaceful Ukrainian cities once again. While there is no current discussion regarding the use of nuclear weapons, Milov warns that Putin has previously demonstrated a tendency to resort to brutal measures when faced with military setbacks.