Ukraine destroys $7 billion Russian aircraft fleet without warning White House

Russia bombs Ukrainian schools and children's hospitals. Kyiv hits back with strikes on Moscow's aircraft.

On 1 June, Ukrainian AI-drones attacked several Russian military airfields across different regions. Over 40 aircraft were destroyed or damaged, including strategic bombers used by Russia to target civilians. Unlike previous strikes, the drones did not fly thousands of kilometers from Ukraine — they were transported by truck into Russian territory and launched directly from there for a surprise assault.

According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the estimated value of the aircraft destroyed or damaged during the special operation "Web" is approximately $7 billion.

The agency notes that a total of 34% of Russia's strategic missile carriers based at their main airfields were hit in the operation. The SBU promises to release more details about the mission later.

"You thought Ukraine was that simple? Ukraine is super. Ukraine is unique. It has endured the steamrollers of history. In today's world, it is priceless," the SBU press service stated, quoting prominent Ukrainian writer Lina Kostenko.

Meanwhile, CBS News reports that the White House has not been informed in advance of Ukraine's plans to carry out a large-scale strike on Russian strategic aviation. It summarizes the day’s events and adds that White House spokespeople declined to comment on the Ukrainian strike. This information has also been confirmed by Axios, citing an unnamed Ukrainian official.