In a daring mission overseen by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine launched Operation Spider’s Web, a coordinated Ukraine drone attack Russian bombers that struck five Russian airfields deep inside Russian territory. Using small FPV drones hidden in wooden cabins mounted on trucks, Ukrainian forces hit more than 40 of Russia’s most powerful long-range bombers. Moscow condemned the strikes as a “terrorist act,” while confirming several aircraft were set alight across military bases in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions.
Planning and Execution of Operation Spider’s Web
Zelenskyy revealed that the mission took “one year, six months, and nine days” from inception to execution. According to Ukraine’s security service (SBU), the drones were prepositioned in wooden cabins on trucks. Once each truck reached its assigned airfield, remote-controlled roofs opened and released the drones. Videos circulated on social media showing FPV drones lifting off from parked trucks and slamming into bombers parked on the tarmac.
Zelenskyy praised the operation as “an absolutely brilliant result” achieved solely by Ukraine. He thanked SBU chief General Vasyl Maliuk and stated that Ukrainian operatives were withdrawn to safety before Russian forces could respond. Zelenskyy asserted this was “our most long-range operation” and confirmed its success would be chronicled in history books.
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Targets and Impact on Russian Air Power
Russian defense authorities reported that airfields in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur were struck. The bombers damaged included strategic TU-95 and TU-22M3 aircraft, both used for long-range missile attacks on Ukraine. Ukraine also claimed to have damaged a Russian A-50 radar plane, crucial for directing air operations. By disabling these assets, Ukraine aimed to degrade Russia’s ability to launch future air strikes deep into Ukrainian territory.
SBU estimates suggest that 34% of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet was crippled, translating to roughly 40 aircraft. The agency put the financial cost at $7 billion, while some independent Ukrainian experts cited a more conservative estimate of $2 billion. Pentagon sources, however, expressed skepticism and believed the actual number of bombers destroyed or damaged ranged between 11 and 15, impacting possibly five airfields.
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Russian Response and Accusations
Moscow condemned the strikes as a “terrorist act.” The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its forces had repelled the attack but admitted that several aircraft were set ablaze. Russian officials announced the arrest of a number of suspects believed to be linked to the operation. Despite these denials, images and videos confirmed significant damage to Russian bombers at multiple airfields.
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Drone Technology and U.S. Oversight
Ukrainian forces used small quadcopter FPV drones, whose precise origin—whether piloted or autonomous—remains unclear. Launched from inside Russian territory, these drones did not give Russia’s veteran air defenses, such as the S-300 and S-400 systems, sufficient time to react. According to BBC weapons analyst Chris Partridge, the unique launch method from trucks inside Russia caught air defenses off-guard and allowed drones to strike heavy bombers directly.
The Pentagon was unaware of the operation until after its conclusion. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth received a full briefing and several subsequent updates only after “Spider’s Web” was complete. U.S. officials, while impressed by the sophistication, maintained cautious estimates on the damage and outcomes.
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Timing Amid Peace Talks and International Reactions
The drone strikes took place just before planned peace talks in Istanbul, which were backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Ukraine hopes to leverage its newfound airstrike capability to press for a full ceasefire, the return of prisoners, and the return of children forcibly taken to Russia—demands that Russia has not agreed to.
Globally, leaders have expressed a mix of support and concern. The mission’s success showcases Ukraine’s growing strike range. At the same time, escalating cross-border operations heighten tensions in the ongoing Ukraine war. The ripple effects of this Ukraine drone attack are being keenly watched by both allies and adversaries.
Looking Ahead: Eastern Front and Beyond
With a weakened long-range bomber force, Russia may find it harder to use airpower to press its advantage in Eastern Ukraine. Still, Russia retains other aerial assets and air defense systems. Ukrainian officials believe “Spider’s Web” will force Moscow into a defensive posture. Limiting the reach of Russian bombers.
As the conflict continues, future Ukraine war news may hinge on whether Russia can quickly replace or repair its lost bombers. Meanwhile, Ukraine is likely to refine similar long-range strike methods. For Russia, defending deep airfields may now require redeploying assets further from the frontlines—resources that could hamper operations elsewhere.
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