Dan Proft and Amy Jacobson spoke with former Army Special Forces officer and Pentagon official Steven Bucci about a dramatic new development in the Ukraine-Russia war—one of the most damaging single blows to the Russian military since the conflict began. According to reports, Ukrainian forces used shipping container-based drones to strike several Russian air bases, damaging or destroying an estimated 40 bombers, many of which are capable of delivering nuclear payloads.
Bucci described the strike as “a black eye” for Vladimir Putin’s regime, noting the sophisticated operation likely took months to plan. The targets—nuclear-capable bombers—underscore the strategic nature of the assault, aimed at diminishing Russia’s ability to threaten the West with its nuclear arsenal. While the impact was significant, Bucci cautioned that Ukraine likely doesn’t have the resources to replicate such an operation easily. Still, he said, the move may help shift the momentum in Ukraine’s favor—at least temporarily.
Coinciding with the attack, Ukraine is sending a delegation to Turkey for renewed peace talks with Russia. Proft and Jacobson questioned whether the timing was meant to give Ukraine leverage in the negotiations. Bucci said it could serve as a message that Ukraine is still in the fight and capable of imposing a cost on Russian aggression. However, he warned that a severe Russian retaliation is likely, adding that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “knew there would be a price to pay.”
Bucci emphasized that while the drone operation demonstrates Ukrainian resolve, it’s also a signal to European and American leaders that further support is essential. Without continued aid, he said, Ukraine will struggle to execute further strategic moves. He also urged the U.S. to take an active role in the peace talks, pushing back against suggestions that America should stay on the sidelines.
Turning to Iran, the conversation shifted to a new report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which revealed that Iran has significantly expanded its stockpile of 60% enriched uranium—just a step away from weapons-grade. According to Bucci, the findings confirm long-held suspicions about Iran’s true nuclear ambitions, and he expressed skepticism that any diplomatic deal would halt the country’s progress.
He said Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, likely view the IAEA’s findings as further justification for preemptive action. The Israeli government has reportedly been planning potential military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and may act if it believes time is running out.
Bucci suggested that while an Israeli strike would be controversial, it may not spark the kind of broader conflict many fear. Iran’s air defenses have been degraded by previous Israeli strikes, and its regional proxies—such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis—are also weakened. In his view, the Iranian regime, despite its rhetoric, may be more vulnerable than it appears.
The interview concluded with a warning: While diplomacy remains the ideal path, the window for peaceful solutions is closing. Whether it’s Russia in Ukraine or Iran’s nuclear program, Bucci said the United States and its allies must be prepared to act—not just talk—if deterrence is to mean anything at all.