'Russian bombers are burning en masse' — Ukraine's SBU drones hit 'more than 40' aircraft in mass attack, source claims

Editor’s note: This is a breaking story and is being updated.

An operation by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has hit “more than 40” Russian bombers at air bases “in the rear of the Russian Federation,” a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent on June 1.

“Enemy strategic bombers are burning en masse in Russia - this is the result of a special operation by the SBU,” the source said.

“Right now, the Security Service of Ukraine is conducting a large-scale special operation to destroy enemy bomber aircraft in the rear of the Russian Federation.

“SBU drones are practicing on aircraft that bomb Ukrainian cities every night. Currently, more than 40 aircraft are known to have been hit, including the A-50, Tu-95 and Tu-22 M3."

The source said at least one of the airfields hit was the Belaya air base in Russia’s Irkutsk Oblast.

No further details were given. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

Unconfirmed reports on social media said a fire was also brinig at the Olenya air base in Russia’s Murmansk Oblast.