A Ukrainian drone attack destroyed more than 40 Russian planes deep in Russia’s territory, a Ukrainian security official told The Associated Press on Sunday, while Russia pounded Ukraine with missiles and drones a day before the two sides meet for a new round of direct talks in Istanbul.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose operational details, said the attack took over 18 months to plan and execute and was personally supervised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The operation saw drones transported in containers carried by trucks deep into Russian territory, he said. The drones reportedly hit 41 planes stationed at several airfields on Sunday afternoon, including A-50, Tu-95 and Tu-22M aircraft, the official said. Moscow has previously used Tupolev Tu-95 and Tu-22 long-range bombers to launch missiles at Ukraine, while A-50s are used to coordinate targets and detect air defenses and guided missiles.

Russia’s Defense Ministry in a statement confirmed the attacks, which spanned five airfields. The FPV drones damaged aircraft and sparked fires on air bases in the Irkutsk region, more than 2,500 miles from Ukraine, as well as Russia’s northern Murmansk, it said. Strikes were repelled in the Amur region in Russia’s Far East and in the western regions of Ivanovo and Ryazan, the ministry said.

The attack came the same day as MR. Zelenskyy said Ukraine will send a delegation to Istanbul for a new round of direct peace talks with Russia on Monday.

In a statement on Telegram, Mr. Zelenskyy said that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will lead the Ukrainian delegation. “We are doing everything to protect our independence, our state and our people,” Mr. Zelenskyy said.

Ukrainian officials had previously called on the Kremlin to provide a promised memorandum setting out its position on ending the war before the meeting takes place. Moscow had said it would share its memorandum during the talks.

(KYIV)

Operations of 161 Local Government (LG) bodies will officially commence today (June 02).

This follows a gazette issued by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, based on the results of the 2025 LG polls held on May 06.

According to the Election Commission, in institutions where a political party or independent group has secured a clear majority, operations will begin today under a newly appointed Mayor or Chairperson.

According to the election results, political parties or independent groups secured a majority in 161 out of 339 local government bodies. 

However, no single party or group was able to secure a majority in the remaining 178 institutions. In such LG bodies, council formation will be determined through meetings led by LG Commissioners.
Meanwhile, SJB MP Rohana Bandara has stated his support for populist decisions by the ruling party, while former MP Saman Ratnapriya said the opposition is ready to take control in councils where it lacks a majority.

However, deputy minister T. B. Sarath has confirmed that institutions will be established in line with the people’s mandate given to the National People’s Power.

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles will visit Sri Lanka as part of a four nation South and Southeast Asia tour scheduled from 2-5 June 2025 for high-level meetings.

The Deputy Prime Minister will meet leaders and counterparts in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia as part of the Government’s commitment to deepening diplomatic and defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, the Australian government announced today.

During his visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka, the Deputy Prime Minister will discuss ongoing Australian support for both nations’ sovereign capability development.

The visit to India coincides with the fifth anniversary of Australia and India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which underpins our relationship and shared vision for the Indian Ocean.

In Indonesia, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet his counterpart to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“Australia values our relationships with neighbours in the Indo-Pacific. Our deepening cooperation is at the heart of Australia’s approach to ensure the Indo-Pacific remains open, inclusive and resilient.”

“I look forward to meeting leaders and welcome productive discussions on how we can work together to shape a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region that is respectful of sovereignty,” the Australian Minister said  of his tour.