Ukraine destroys 40 Russian strategic bombers in audacious ‘Spider Web’ drone operation

KYIV – In a significant and meticulously planned 18-month operation dubbed “Spider Web,” Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reported striking 41 Russian aircraft, including strategic bombers, in a coordinated attack on June 1.

“The Security Service of Ukraine has executed a unique and unprecedented special operation, simultaneously targeting four military airfields deep within Russian territory, key bases for the enemy’s air power,” the statement said.

The operation that shocked Russia and was lauded around the world, left military analysts in awe based on the operational details that were later revealed later.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the operation was planned over the span of more than 18 months and involved the deployment of 117 drones launched and initially hidden inside trucks that were parked near the Russian airfields.

The SBU subsequently said that all its personnel who took part in the operation had been successfully exfiltrated. 

“What’s most interesting – and this can now be stated publicly – is that the ‘office’ of our operation on Russian territory was located directly next to FSB headquarters in one of their regions,” Zelenskyy said.

He further elaborated on the operational reach, saying, “our personnel operated across multiple Russian regions – in three different time zones. And the people who assisted us were withdrawn from Russian territory before the operation, they are now safe.”

The special operation’s working group was spearheaded by SBU head Lt. Gen. Vasyl Maliuk. The SBU estimated the value of the neutralized enemy strategic aircraft to be over $7 billion.

“This was not merely a damaging blow to the enemy’s air assets but a significant affront to the power and terrorist essence of the Russian Federation,” Maliuk said.

The drone attacks successfully targeted aircraft at the Belaya, Dyagilevo, Olenya, and Ivanovo airfields, including the A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft, as well as Tu-95, Tu-22 M3, and Tu-160 strategic bombers.

“The enemy has been bombing our nation almost nightly from these very planes, and today they experienced firsthand that retribution is inevitable,” Maliuk said.

The SBU reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to responding to Russian terror, vowing to “destroy the enemy everywhere – at sea, in the air, and on land.”

“And if necessary, we will reach them even beneath the ground,” Maliuk said.