In a daring operation dubbed “Spiderweb,” Ukraine launched a surprise drone attack that severely damaged nearly a third of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet. The attack, coordinated by Ukraine’s Security Service, targeted military airfields across Russia, dealing a significant blow to Moscow’s military capabilities.
Ukraine’s Historic Drone Strike
On Sunday, Ukraine orchestrated one of its most audacious strikes yet, targeting four Russian military airfields with 117 drones. The coordinated attack, which damaged or destroyed 34% of Russia’s fleet of long-range bombers, was described by President Zelenskyy as one for the “history books.” The operation was meticulously planned for over 18 months and marked a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s ongoing defense strategy.
Key Targets Hit, Including Siberian Base
Among the targets was the Belaya air base in Siberia, over 4,000 kilometers away from Ukraine. The strategic bombers destroyed in the attack, including the A-50, Tu-95, and Tu-22M, are critical to Russia’s missile operations against Ukraine. These bombers have been used extensively to launch devastating missile barrages on Ukrainian cities, making their loss a significant setback for Russia’s war efforts.
Covert Operation, High Stakes
The attack involved a complex operation where drones, housed in wooden containers, were smuggled into Russia and deployed close to the airfields. Despite the risks, the operation was a resounding success, with Ukrainian officials estimating the total damage at $7 billion. The attack serves as another example of Ukraine’s innovative, cost-effective approach to warfare, despite being outgunned and outnumbered.
Boost to Ukrainian Morale
This surprise operation has provided a major morale boost to Ukraine’s forces, especially as peace talks have faltered and Russia continues its relentless missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian officials have vowed to continue retaliating against Russian terror, promising to strike “everywhere — at sea, in the air, and on land.”
