Ukraine Drones Destroy 41 Russian Aircraft Across Multiple Airbases

In a groundbreaking drone operation on May 31, Ukrainian forces launched over 100 drones hidden in disguised shipping containers to strike Russian airbases across vast distances, destroying 41 military aircraft including strategic bombers in locations such as Olenya and Irkutsk. This surprise attack, likened to Russia's Pearl Harbor, demonstrated unprecedented coordination and precision without any Ukrainian personnel being exposed, marking a new paradigm in modern warfare. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized that the operation was conducted solely by Ukraine using commercial satellite imagery without NATO assistance, asserting national agency. The attack has drawn reactions from retired U.S. military leaders who highlighted its significance amid ongoing and stalled peace talks. Meanwhile, Germany's military leadership warned NATO to prepare for possible Russian aggression in the coming years, highlighting Russia's buildup of tanks, artillery, and ammunition potentially aimed at Baltic countries, and urged increased defense investments to strengthen deterrence. The operation has sparked alarm and widespread attention within Russia, with social media users reporting drone activity near multiple strategic airbases deep inside Russian territory, underscoring the shift in conflict dynamics.