Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) conducted a covert operation, codenamed 'Spiderweb,' using 117 cheaply made drones to attack four Russian military airfields, severely damaging or destroying 34% of Russia's strategic bomber fleet. The attack, personally overseen by President Zelensky, targeted bases over 4,000 km away, including Belaya air base in Irkutsk. This operation highlights Ukraine's strategy of innovative, cost-effective attacks on Russia's rear.
Surprise drone attack on Russian airfields encapsulates Ukraine’s wartime strategy
World
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) conducted a covert operation, codenamed 'Spiderweb,' using 117 cheaply made drones to attack four Russian military airfields, severely damaging or destroying 34% of Russia's strategic bomber fleet. The attack, personally overseen by President Zelensky, targeted bases over 4,000 km away, including Belaya air base in Irkutsk. This operation highlights Ukraine's strategy of innovative, cost-effective attacks on Russia's rear.
Trending- 1 Over 18 months prior to Sunday: Planning for the 'Spiderweb' operation took place.
- 2 April 2022: Ukraine sank the Moskva, Russia's Black Sea Fleet flagship.
- 3 October 2022: A Ukrainian attack damaged the Kerch Bridge.
- 4 July 2023: The Kerch Bridge was hit again.
- 5 August 2024: Ukrainian forces launched a military incursion into Russia’s Kursk region.
- 6 April 2025: Russia claimed it had fully reclaimed the border territory in Kursk.
- 7 Sunday (unspecified date, but article published June 2, 2025): Ukraine launched the 'Spiderweb' drone attack on Russian airfields; Russia launched a record number of 472 drones against Ukraine.
- 8 Monday (unspecified date): A round of direct peace talks took place in Istanbul.
- Severe damage or destruction of 34% (or over 40) of Russia’s fleet of air missile carriers, estimated at US$7-billion
- Reduced Russia’s ability to deliver devastating missile barrages against Ukraine
- Provided a morale boost for Ukraine
- Could undermine Russian confidence in winning the war easily
What: Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) launched a large-scale drone attack on four Russian military airfields.
When: The attack occurred on Sunday, following over 18 months of planning. It happened a day before direct peace talks in Istanbul.
Where: Four Russian military airfields, including Belaya air base in the Siberian region of Irkutsk, Murmansk region, Amur region, Ivanovo, and Ryazan.
Why: To exact Russian losses, degrade Russia's ability to deploy bombers for missile barrages against Ukrainian cities, boost Ukrainian morale, and respond to Russia's record number of drone and missile attacks.
How: The operation, codenamed 'Spiderweb,' involved smuggling 117 FPV drones into Russia in wooden containers, which were then transported by truck close to the airfields and flown to strike strategic bombers. The operation was personally overseen by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.