Ukraine has launched one of its largest drone attacks, targeting key Russian military infrastructure.
Russian defence officials have confirmed five air bases were hit in the attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the move “entirely justified and deserved,” saying it followed reports of impending Russian attacks.
The escalation came a day before officials from the two nations are expected to meet in Türkiye for renewed ceasefire talks.
Attack
Over the weekend, Ukraine launched 117 drone strikes on Russia, targeting “over forty units of strategic aviation”.
Zelenskyy said the operation inflicted “significant losses,” destroying 34% of Russia’s “strategic cruise missile carriers”.
He added the attack was the result of more than a year and a half of planning.
Ukraine estimated the strikes destroyed $US7 billion ($AU10.8 billion) worth of infrastructure.
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Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed “several units of aircraft caught fire” across multiple airbases during what it labelled a “terrorist attack,”
It said no deaths had been reported.
Zelenskyy said Russia is preparing sea-based missile attacks in response.
While he claimed all Ukrainian personnel involved in the operation “are now safe,” Russian officials said they had captured and detained several Ukrainian soldiers.
Ceasefire talks
The escalation in violence comes a day ahead of planned ceasefire talks between the two countries in Türkiye.
Zelensky said his offer of a “full and unconditional ceasefire” remains in place.
Ahead of the talks, Ukraine has also called for the return of prisoners and “abducted children.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin is yet to publicly respond to the incident.
