Repоrts claiming that dozens of Russian strategic bombers were destroyed are inaccurate.Yes, there was damage, but that number of aircraft was not present at the targeted locations.

Axar.az reports Russian political analyst Yevgeny Mikhailov stated this in a comment addressing yesterday’s Ukrainian drone attack on Russian airfields.

“This is a terrorist drone attack. Yes, the operation happened. Yes, the outcome was as it was. We will draw conclusions and strengthen security. It’s quite clear that such an attack has shown the entire international community that the tactics of both terrorist attacks and warfare have completely changed — when an aircraft costing thousands of dollars can destroy a serious aircraft worth hundreds of millions. This is truly a science not only for Russia but for the entire world. The era of drones is coming. Russia is definitely preparing a response. It will be adequate, even more than that. The strike on Ukrainian infrastructure will be severe,” the political analyst said.

According to Mikhailov, this will not affect the meeting in Istanbul:

“The meeting will take place. The point is that any attempt to intimidate Russia will not weaken the position of the Russian delegation at the Istanbul talks. We will now take an even tougher stance and back up our actions both on the diplomatic front and on the battlefield in the zone of the special military operation. In any case, negotiations are necessary. Russia fully understands this, despite the terrorist attack that occurred on International Children’s Day. We conclude that the Kyiv regime must be completely eradicated in the form in which it currently exists. Russia will not back down from its principles of full denazification and demilitarization of Ukraine, and preventing its NATO membership. If this does not happen, Ukraine will cease to exist as a subject of international law.”