WASHINGTON (TNND) — Ukraine and Russia remain at an impasse over a potential peace deal following a weekend of heightened tensions and military actions. Ukraine launched a surprise drone strike on multiple Russian airbases, an operation dubbed "Operation Spider’s Web," and was praised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Brilliant operation was conducted on the enemy's territory, against military targets only, against equipment that was used to deliver strikes at Ukraine. Russia has had very tangible losses, and justifiably so, as they deserved it," said Zelenskyy.

The coordinated attack involved nearly 120 FPV, or first-person view, drones smuggled into Russia and positioned near airfields. Ukrainian officials reported that 40 Russian aircraft, including nuclear bombers, were destroyed, causing billions in damage. Video footage appears to show Russian bombers burning on the tarmac, as well as the drones being launched from containers.

Zelenskyy said the new offensive should push Russia towards diplomacy.

"There are a lot of people who have been saying that Ukraine has essentially been defeated. Well, obviously it hasn't been defeated. It's holding its own," said Clifford May, founder of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

The FPV drones, typically short-range, were part of a strike that took 18 months to plan, according to Ukraine’s President. The attack occurred just before another round of peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey, which lasted only an hour and resulted in agreements on prisoner swaps but no ceasefire. War analysts are skeptical that Russian President Vladimir Putin is close to any sort of deal to end the fighting, especially following the latest developments.

"He will become more paranoid. I suspect heads will roll in the intelligence services, but it is not going to lessen their appetite for war, not at all," Global Affairs Analyst Michael Bociurkiw said.

Prior to Ukraine's strike, Russia launched nearly 500 attack drones into Ukraine over the weekend.

The White House responded to the escalations, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt telling reporters Monday that President Trump would like to see the conflict resolved at the negotiating table.