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Ukraine executed a series of drone strikes on Russian military air bases deep within Russia on Sunday, aiming to impact the forthcoming Russian-Ukrainian ceasefire discussions scheduled for Monday in Istanbul. This strategic operation targeted bombers responsible for missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, earning widespread acclaim from Ukrainians who dubbed it "Operation Trojan Trucks" on social media.

The Security Service of Ukraine masterminded the covert operation, which involved smuggling small, explosive-laden drones hidden in wooden cabins placed on trucks. These drones, launched from trucks parked near Russian military installations, managed to hit 41 heavy bomber jets stationed as far as Murmansk in Russia's Arctic north and Irkutsk in Siberia, illustrating the extensive reach of the attack. Vasyl Malyuk, head of Ukraine’s security services, declared the operation as evidence that "retaliation is inevitable."

Ukrainian officials released a statement boasting their success in the operation, officially termed "Spiderweb," claiming that approximately $7 billion worth of Russia's strategic aviation capabilities were damaged. This represents about one-third of Russia's strategic cruise missile carriers.

Videos circulating online showcased the drone launches and the immediate aftermath, with one clip depicting a burning aircraft and Russian servicemen visibly shaken and cursing. Another showed drones taking off from a truck bed parked along a highway, underscoring the audacity of the operation which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said had been meticulously planned for over a year and a half.

In logistical terms, Ukrainian personnel operated across different Russian regions and time zones, with all participants extracted safely before the operation commenced. Despite Russia’s Defense Ministry confirming attacks on their bases, they downplayed the damage, reporting that only a few pieces of aviation technology were affected.

Additionally, the weekend was marked by other violent episodes, including the collapse of a bridge on a passenger train in Russia's Bryansk region, resulting in at least seven deaths and over 100 injuries. Another rail bridge collapse in the neighboring Kursk region derailed a freight train, injuring crew members.

Amid these events, the Ukrainian military reported hitting a Russian military supply train in the occupied Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia. These acts of aggression on both sides underscore the continuing intensity of the conflict, even as negotiations loom.

As both parties head to Istanbul for the second round of negotiations, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of achieving a full and unconditional ceasefire, the release of prisoners, and the return of abducted children. U.S. President Donald Trump has been a vocal proponent of these talks, asserting that their outcome will significantly impact future U.S. engagement in the conflict.

Political analysts suggest that Ukraine's unexpected drone operation might shift the balance in the negotiations, challenging the notion that Ukraine is on the losing side of the conflict. Moscow-based analyst Georgi Bovt noted, "Apparently, they found the cards," highlighting the new dynamic in the ongoing negotiations.