Retired US Commanders React to Ukraine's 'Pearl Harbor' Attack on Russia

 

Retired U.S. Military Leaders React to Ukraine’s Bold Drone Strike Deep in Russia

Retired American military leaders weighed in Sunday after Ukraine launched a major drone offensive that targeted Russian military aircraft far inside the country, striking more than 40 planes, including nuclear-capable bombers. One retired admiral remarked that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “having a very bad day.”

The surprise operation hit multiple locations deep within Russian territory and was widely seen as a dramatic escalation. According to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), the drone assault was part of a broader effort to cripple Russia’s strategic bomber fleet. "Enemy strategic bombers are burning en masse in Russia," the SBU said, calling it a "large-scale special operation."

The attack came amid stalled peace negotiations and recent Russian advances in Ukraine’s Sumy region. Ukraine’s aggressive strike was quickly compared to the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, with commentators calling it a turning point in the war.

U.S. Generals Praise Ukraine's Ingenuity

Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, former commander of U.S. Army Europe, highlighted Ukraine’s persistence and evolving military strategy.

"For months, some claimed Ukraine held no leverage. But this operation proves otherwise," Hertling posted on X (formerly Twitter). He emphasized Ukraine’s effective use of drones, special operations, and communications tech to outmaneuver Russian forces. "The synchronized attack today, targeting aircraft over 4,000 km from the front line, shows Ukraine has plenty of aces up its sleeve."

Retired Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, mocked Putin’s misfortune. "Vlad is having a very bad day," he posted on X. In a follow-up message, he added, "You reap what you sow, Putin."

Speaking to CNN, Stavridis praised Ukraine’s execution. "It’s like a modern Trojan Horse," he said, referencing Greek mythology. “These wooden crates roll in and suddenly release drone warriors, destroying Russian planes without a single human aboard. It’s a remarkable military feat.”

Attack Details and Fallout

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the drone strikes across several airfields, including in the Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions. According to Russian state media outlet Tass, no military personnel or civilians were killed.

The SBU claimed drones were launched from wooden sheds placed near Russian air bases. These sheds, outfitted with remotely controlled roofs, housed the drones until launch. Reuters confirmed the method through Ukrainian sources.

Ukraine stated that 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers were hit and estimated the damage at $7 billion. President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X, calling the operation “absolutely brilliant” and detailing its preparation: one year, six months, and nine days from planning to execution. “Our most long-range operation. All participants were withdrawn from Russian territory in time.”

Journalist Murtaza Hussain wrote that drones were launched from trucks stationed inside Russia, noting that despite recent losses on the ground, Ukraine had carried out “a modern Pearl Harbor.”

Russian military blogger Roman Alekhine echoed the sentiment, calling the strike "Russia’s Pearl Harbor" and calling for a response mirroring the U.S. retaliation after 1941—or stronger.

Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger added context, writing: “Targeting Russian bombers is completely legal in wartime. Any Russian retaliation targeting civilians would be a war crime. But it’s Russia—they’ve bombed hospitals in both Ukraine and Syria. They are... a terrorist state.”

Peace Talks Resume Amid Escalation

Despite the dramatic escalation, Zelensky announced that Ukraine would send a delegation to Istanbul on Monday for a new round of direct talks with Russia. The discussions represent a rare diplomatic opportunity as fighting intensifies across multiple fronts and the humanitarian toll continues to rise.

Meanwhile, Trump-era officials told CBS News that the White House was not informed in advance about the drone operation. Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized both Putin and Zelensky, claiming neither side truly seeks peace. Trump, who pledged to end the war in 24 hours if re-elected, has yet to offer a clear plan to resolve the conflict that began in February 2022.