President of Ukraine has described an operation by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) that destroyed more than 40 strategic aircraft at Russian airfields as having achieved a brilliant result that will go down in the history books.

Volodymyr Zelensky said he had been briefed on the operation by Lieutenant General Vasyl Maliuk, Head of the SSU: “An absolutely brilliant result. An independent achievement by Ukraine. One year, 6 months and nine days from the start of planning to effective implementation. Our most far-reaching operation. Our people who prepared the operation were withdrawn from Russian territory in time".

The president noted that he had thanked Maliuk for this triumph by Ukraine and has also instructed the Security Service of Ukraine to disclose the details and results of the operation that can be made public: "Of course, we cannot reveal everything now, but these are Ukrainian actions that will definitely be in the history books".

During his evening address, Zelensky revealed that a total of 117 drones were used in the SSU operation – and that the operation`s "office" in Russia was situated next to the office of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in one of the oblasts: “The most interesting thing – and we can now say this publicly – is that our operation`s "office" in Russia was located right next to the FSB office in one of their regions. A total of 117 drones were used in the operation, and the corresponding number of drone operators were involved. 34% of strategic cruise missile carriers were hit at their main airbases.

Our people were operating in various Russian regions spanning three time zones. Our people withdrew from Russian territory on the eve of the operation and are now safe, as are those who helped us. It`s really great to see the results of projects I authorised over a year and a half ago, which have taken more than 40 strategic aircraft away from the Russians. We will continue this work".