With 41 military aircraft impacted, the Ukrainian drone attack was described by some commentators as Russia's "Pearl Harbor." The attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 was a surprise air raid by Japan on the U.S. during World War II. Kyiv's assault follows ground advances by Moscow troops in recent days in Ukraine's Sumy border region.

The message came after Ukraine’s forces wiped out and damaged 41 of the Kremlin’s nuclear bombers and aircraft, attacking at least four air bases across Russia in a massive operation.

As Ukraine and Russia prepare for peace talks scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul, few observers expect a breakthrough. While the U.S. and Ukraine have pushed for an unconditional ceasefire, the Kremlin has rejected it.

Ukraine performed a coordinated strike on several Russian airfields Sunday as peace talks with Russia in Istanbul were set to be held on Monday. The attack, which was supervised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and planned for over a year,

By making harsh, uncompromising demands in peace talks with Ukraine while continuing to pummel it with waves of missiles and drones, Russian President Vladimir Putin is sending a clear message: He will only accept a settlement on his terms and will keep fighting until they’re met.

Russia may find itself in a disadvantageous position in the eyes of the United States if it fails to show flexibility in peace negotiations with Ukraine, states Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, according to Anadolu.