On June 1, 2025, Ukraine executed a significant drone assault deep within Russian territory, targeting multiple strategic airbases and reportedly destroying or damaging over 40 military aircraft, including Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers. This operation, codenamed “Operation Spider’s Web,” was orchestrated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and took approximately 18 months to plan. Drones were covertly transported into Russia, concealed within modified trucks, and launched remotely near the targeted airbases. The attacks spanned several regions, including Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur Oblasts. Ukrainian officials claim the strike incapacitated about 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers, estimating damages around $7 billion. The operation was reportedly supervised by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Notably, the Trump administration was not informed in advance of the attack. This unprecedented strike has been likened to a “Russian Pearl Harbor” by some observers.

Key Points:

Ukraine’s “Operation Spider’s Web” targeted multiple Russian airbases, destroying or damaging over 40 strategic aircraft.

Drones were smuggled into Russia and launched from modified trucks near the airbases.

The operation affected airbases in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur Oblasts.

Estimated damages are around $7 billion, impacting approximately 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers.

The attack was planned over 18 months and supervised by President Zelenskyy.

The Trump administration was reportedly not notified in advance of the operation.

Original Article: https://www.zerohedge.com/military/ukrainian-drone-swarm-attacks-hit-russian-long-range-bombers