Putin shamed: Zelensky says operation to destroy 40 Russian warplanes was 'Next to FSB HQ'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that a devastating drone strike which obliterated more than 40 Russian aircraft, including "irreplaceable" nuclear-capable warplanes, was orchestrated from within Russia-right under the nose of the Kremlin's feared security service.

The dramatic operation, which reportedly caused a staggering $7 billion in damage, was launched using 117 drones and struck at the heart of Russia's air capabilities, hitting 34 percent of its strategic cruise missile carriers.

In a remarkable statement on his official X account, President Zelensky shared details of the operation, describing it as a major success that had been in the works for more than 18 months, in a move that is being described as "Russia's Pearl Harbor," referring to the devastating surprise attack the US navy suffered at the hands of the Japanese during WW2.

He said: "Today, a brilliant operation was carried out. The preparation took over a year and a half. What's most interesting, is that the 'office' of our operation on Russian territory was located directly next to FSB headquarters in one of their regions."

The mission, conducted with precision and secrecy, dealt a heavy blow to Russia's military infrastructure. It is understood that each of the 117 drones used was operated individually, pointing to the scale and coordination involved in the assault.

Zelensky added: "We will continue this work."

The audacious operation reportedly involved first-person-view (FPV) kamikaze drones, which were hidden inside containers mounted on trucks. According to The Telegraph, the containers' lids were remotely opened once in position, allowing the drones to launch and target aircraft stationed at multiple high-security Russian airbases.

Footage circulating online is said to show planes being struck at the Belaya airbase in Siberia - a staggering 3,400 miles from the Ukrainian front line - underlining the extraordinary reach of the assault.

Other bases targeted in the coordinated strike reportedly include Olenya airbase in the Arctic, the Ivanovo base northeast of Moscow, and Dyagilevo base, south of the Russian capital.

Military sources suggest at least 40 aircraft were likely destroyed in total, dealing a crippling blow to Russia's strategic bomber fleet and its long-range cruise missile capabilities.

The strike is being hailed as one of the most significant Ukrainian operations of the war, both in scale and strategic impact.