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World News Desk: In what Kyiv has called its most audacious and far-reaching assault of the war, Ukraine has successfully launched a coordinated drone strike deep inside Russian territory, damaging an estimated $7 billion worth of Russian military aircraft.
The operation—codenamed “Spiderweb”—targeted airbases spread across Russia, including in Irkutsk, Murmansk, Ryazan, and Ivanovo, with some locations over 2,500 miles (4,000km) from Ukrainian-controlled territory.
How Operation Spiderweb Was Carried Out
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) revealed that the operation was prepared in secret over 18 months, involving the smuggling of short-range drones and explosives into Russia. These drones were hidden inside containers disguised as wooden sheds and transported to strategic positions near Russian airbases.
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Each container was equipped with a retractable roof system, which, once remotely activated, allowed dozens of FPV (first-person view) quadcopters to rise and strike with precision. The drones were **remotely operated—likely from Ukrainian territory—**bypassing Russia’s layered air defenses that would have intercepted drones launched externally.
“After months of preparation, the operation was executed flawlessly,” said Vasyl Maliuk, head of the SBU.
Aircraft Damaged: Strategic Losses for Russia
According to Ukrainian officials, the strike damaged or destroyed 41 aircraft, including:
A-50 surveillance planes
Tu-160 and Tu-22M3 supersonic bombers
Tu-95 strategic bombers, capable of carrying nuclear weapons or launching cruise missiles
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the mission as “brilliant,” confirming that 117 drones and their operators participated in the strike, coordinated across three Russian time zones.
“Thirty-four percent of strategic cruise missile carriers stationed at Russian airbases were hit,” Zelenskyy added.
Key Airbases Targeted
The Ukrainian SBU confirmed strikes on the following locations:
Belaya Airbase, Irkutsk (Eastern Siberia)
Olenya Airbase, Murmansk (Arctic region)
Dyagilevo Airbase, Ryazan (near Moscow)
Ivanovo Severny Airbase, Ivanovo (Central Russia)
Russia’s Response
The Russian Ministry of Defence acknowledged that multiple military aircraft “caught fire” during the attacks. While the Kremlin reported no casualties, it claimed that several individuals involved had been arrested. However, Zelenskyy asserted that all Ukrainian-linked operatives were safely extracted from Russian soil before the operation commenced.
Footage released on social media by Russian outlets appeared to confirm drones emerging from disguised containers and approaching aircraft hangars, followed by explosions.
Analysis: A Strategic Turning Point in the Drone War
The Spiderweb operation marks a dramatic evolution in Ukraine’s asymmetric warfare tactics, combining low-cost drone technology with espionage and internal sabotage. Military analysts say the strike could undermine Russia’s air superiority, especially if repeat operations are launched.
This assault not only inflicted massive material losses but also struck psychological and strategic blows to Moscow, as even the heart of Russia’s aerospace infrastructure now appears vulnerable.
