Kyiv: The Ukrainian Armed Forces executed a significant drone attack against five Russian strategic air bases, marking one of the most complex operations orchestrated by the Security Service of Ukraine over an 18-month period. This operation, named ‘Pautina,’ was personally overseen by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the attack involved 117 FPV-type drones targeting Russian military air bases in regions including Irkutsk, Ryazan, Ivanovo, Murmansk, and Amur. The primary aim was to neutralize strategic bombers such as the Tu-95, Tu-160, Tu-22M3, and A-50 early warning aircraft. These drones were discreetly transported in parts, hidden within wooden containers, and strategically placed near the bases. Upon activation, they launched simultaneously, effectively dismantling the facilities.
Ukrainian military expert Oleksandr Kovalenko emphasized the operation’s objective to eliminate strategic nuclear-capable aircraft used by Russia against civilian targets. He highlighted that these aircraft form part of Russia’s nuclear triad, employed strategically as nuclear deterrents. However, Russia has reportedly utilized these bombers for large-scale attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, residential areas, and energy facilities. Kovalenko noted that the loss of these aircraft is particularly severe for Russia, given their limited production and reliance on leftover Soviet-era fuselages.
The operation’s unexpected success, particularly in Siberia and Murmansk, caught global attention. Russian political analyst Darya Grevtsova remarked on the lack of electronic warfare in these remote regions, which contributed to the operation’s impact. She pointed out that Ukraine’s innovative method of using drones signifies a shift in warfare dynamics, demonstrating that conflicts can extend deep into a nation’s territory.
Ukrainian officials reported that 34 percent of Russia’s strategic aviation was either damaged or destroyed, with an estimated cost of $7 billion. Despite Russian claims of thwarting some attacks, damage was acknowledged in Murmansk and Irkutsk. Kovalenko described the operation as unprecedented, highlighting its execution within a highly controlled Russian environment as a testament to Ukraine’s tactical prowess.
Grevtsova suggested that the attack heralds a new era of hybrid warfare, necessitating enhanced radio-electronic defenses across Russian territories. She noted that the global perception of military security might shift, prompting countries to bolster defenses against potential drone threats.
European countries, particularly in Eastern Europe, have expressed support for Ukraine’s strategic operations. Hungarian security policy expert Attila Demko stated that these attacks represent a pivotal moment for Europe’s security landscape, showcasing Ukraine’s self-defense capabilities. He affirmed that the European Union and its member states broadly endorse Ukraine’s right to defend its sovereignty, viewing its actions as legitimate self-defense against Russian aggression.
Demko further suggested that Ukraine’s operations could inspire new security policy frameworks in Europe, influencing regional and global security strategies. The revelation of weaknesses in Russian defense systems has sparked discussions on future security measures, underscoring the evolving nature of warfare.