The war between Russia and Ukraine has now stretched into its fourth year, with tensions showing no sign of easing. In a recent development, Ukraine launched a series of FPV drone attacks on five Russian military airfields located in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions. These drone strikes have reportedly caused fires near airfields in Murmansk and Irkutsk, damaging several aircraft.
The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged the attacks but claimed to have intercepted drone threats in the Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions. According to TASS, “The Kyiv regime carried out a terrorist attack using FPV drones on airfields in the Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions. All terrorist attacks on military airfields in the Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions were successfully foiled.”
No casualties have been reported among Russian military personnel or civilians. The Ministry added that several suspects have been detained in connection to the drone operations. Despite this, Russia has not disclosed how many aircraft were affected or the specific details of the targeted planes.
As the conflict intensifies, international diplomatic engagement is ramping up. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the Russia-Ukraine peace process, with upcoming talks in Istanbul scheduled for June 2. This diplomatic move could signify a possible thaw, though recent escalations suggest otherwise.
Lavrov’s ministry posted, “The situation related to the Ukraine crisis was discussed. S.V. Lavrov and M. Rubio also exchanged views on various initiatives aimed at resolving the Ukraine crisis, including the plan to resume direct Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul on June 2.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated President Trump’s commitment to direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia to pursue a lasting peace. The US also expressed concern following explosions on two bridges in Russia’s border regions. Rubio conveyed his condolences for the victims of the attacks, which left seven dead and 69 injured.
The Russian government vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents and pledged that “those found responsible would be identified and undoubtedly face appropriate punishment.” The affected bridges are considered strategic infrastructure points, adding gravity to an already tense situation.
This latest wave of drone attacks and infrastructure sabotage marks a turning point in the war, raising the stakes for both sides. With global superpowers involved and casualties rising, the conflict is entering a more volatile and unpredictable phase.
