Fact-Check: Did Ukraine’s Drone Strike Destroy Over 40 Russian Strategic Aircraft

Claim:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed Ukraine executed a “brilliant operation” deep inside Russian territory using 117 drones, hitting 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers and destroying over 40 long-range aircraft. He also said the operation took 1.5 years to plan and coincided with Russia rejecting a full ceasefire offer.

Verdict: True, with partial confirmation and evolving details.

What’s Being Said?

In a high-profile statement, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine conducted a major drone operation inside Russian territory, striking airbases in Voronezh, Kursk, and Irkutsk. He labeled it a “brilliant operation” involving 117 drones and over 40 destroyed Russian strategic aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers, some capable of delivering nuclear payloads.

He further claimed:

• The planning took 18 months.
• 34% of Russian strategic cruise missile carriers were hit.
• Drones were covertly transported inside trucks, reaching targets up to 4,000 km away.
• The operation occurred next to an FSB (Federal Security Service) headquarters.
• A US-backed ceasefire proposal had been on the table since March 11, but Russia rejected it.

Fact-Check Analysis

1. The Drone Strike Happened

Confirmed. On May 20, 2025, Russian officials and military bloggers reported that drone strikes hit multiple airbases, including the Belaya air base in Irkutsk, a region 4,000 km from Ukraine. Governor Igor Kobzev confirmed the attack and acknowledged Ukrainian drones launched from trucks had reached the site.

2. Aircraft Destroyed?

Partially confirmed.

• Satellite imagery and open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysts such as GeoConfirmed and Bellingcat contributors have verified damage to several strategic bombers, notably the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 models.
• Estimates range between 30 and 45 aircraft either destroyed or disabled.
• The Ukrainian military stated over 40 planes were hit, but independent verification is still ongoing.

3. 34% of Russia’s Strategic Carriers Hit?

Unverified.

• There is no official Russian confirmation or independent audit confirming that 34% of its strategic fleet was destroyed.
• Russia’s air force operates ~60 Tu-95s and Tu-160s. If 34% were hit, that would mean 20+ aircraft, which aligns with the Ukrainian narrative but remains unverified.

4. 1.5 Years of Preparation?

Credible.

• Ukrainian sources have previously revealed long-term covert operations involving infrastructure sabotage and long-range drone programs.
• Zelenskyy’s claim is consistent with past Ukrainian strategies, and the complex logistics of sending drones 4,000 km inside Russia supports the extended timeline.

5. Drone Launch from Trucks?

Confirmed.

• Russian and international OSINT analysts observed modified civilian trucks used as launchers.
• This tactic reflects Ukraine’s adaptive guerrilla warfare strategy and has now been verified.

6. Ceasefire Proposal Since March 11?

Partially confirmed.

• The Biden administration and NATO confirmed in March 2025 that backchannel ceasefire proposals were floated.
• Russia has publicly denied receiving or agreeing to any such terms.
• Zelenskyy’s version that Russia refused peace talks is politically framed, but not disproven.

Why This Matters

This drone strike marks one of Ukraine’s most ambitious and deep-penetrating military operations since the war began. If confirmed in full, this would be:

• A historic blow to Russia’s long-range strike capability.
• A demonstration of Ukraine’s evolving drone warfare doctrine.
• A sign of growing military ingenuity despite being outgunned.

It also deepens the geopolitical divide as it came just hours before peace talks were set to resume in Istanbul.

Conclusion

True: Ukraine did carry out a complex, long-range drone strike deep into Russian territory. Some numbers (like 34% destruction) are not independently verified yet, but the operation’s scale and damage are well-documented.

Zelenskyy’s claim about a “brilliant operation” stands, not just for its symbolism but also its tactical success and psychological impact.