Ukraine’s recent military operation, codenamed “Operation Spider Web,” has resulted in substantial losses for Russia, with reports indicating damage to multiple airbases deep within Russian territory. According to sources cited by various news outlets, the operation involved a large-scale drone attack targeting Russian military airbases, showcasing Ukraine’s advanced logistical capabilities and use of unmanned systems.
## US The Washington Post’s report about the operation
The Washington Post, citing experts, reported that at least 13 Russian aircraft were damaged in the Ukrainian attack on bases deep inside Russia, according to satellite imagery.
The American newspaper explained that the damaged aircraft included at least eight Tu-95 long-range bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
These aircraft have been used repeatedly in the Russian air campaign against Ukraine, according to Will Goodhind, a geospatial data analyst at Contested Ground, a research project that uses satellite imagery to track armed conflicts.
The Washington Post indicated that it reached these conclusions after reviewing verified videos and satellite images.
## What is the Operation “Spider Web”
Operation “Spider Web” relied on smuggling drones into Russia, where they were transported in camouflaged boxes on trucks to launch sites, before being used to target bomber aircraft capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons.
Ukraine announced that more than 40 aircraft were destroyed or severely damaged, while Russia only acknowledged that “a number of aircraft were damaged by fire.”
Independent analysts relying on open sources estimate the number at between 10 and 12 aircraft.
A report by the British newspaper, the Financial Times, indicated that satellite imagery and expert analysis revealed the scale of the operation. It added that the Ukrainian audacity, which included secret planning over 18 months to conceal drones inside trucks to strike air bases thousands of kilometers from Kyiv, was met with significant losses among the Russian Air Force.
## The Expectation of the Operation “Spider Web”
The results of the Ukrainian drone attack over the weekend revealed that Russia has lost bombers that it may never be able to replace, and that its air fleet has suffered a devastating blow that may force Moscow to reconsider its approach to launching airstrikes against Ukraine. Furthermore, strikes deep inside Russian territory have revealed the cost of the long war.
The report indicated that satellite imagery and expert analysis demonstrated the magnitude of the operation, adding that Ukraine’s audacity, represented by its secret 18-month planning to conceal drones inside trucks to strike air bases thousands of kilometers from Kyiv, was matched by significant losses among Russian air forces.
However, the most important thing for Kyiv, according to the report, is to prove, ahead of the ceasefire negotiations in Istanbul, that it is capable of changing the rules of the game and sending a clear message to the Kremlin that targets deep within Russia are now vulnerable.
*Key Details of the Operation:*
– *Date of Attack:* June 1, 2025
– *Number of Drones:* Over 117 first-person view (FPV) drones were used in the operation
– *Targeted Airbases:*
Multiple Russian military airbases located hundreds of kilometers away from Kyiv, with some as far as 2,000 to 5,000 kilometres
– *Aircraft Hit:*
Ukraine claims to have damaged or destroyed over 40 Russian aircraft, including;
– *TU-95s (Bear):* Large strategic bombers with nuclear capabilities
– *TU-22M3s:* Supersonic long-range bombers
– *A-50:* Early warning and control aircraft
*Operation Details:*
The operation, which took over 18 months to plan, involved smuggling drones into Russia and concealing them in mobile wooden cabins on trucks stationed near the targeted airfields. The drones were then launched remotely to hit the airbases, exploiting vulnerabilities in Russia’s air defense systems. This tactic highlights Ukraine’s sophisticated intelligence and logistical planning capabilities.
*Impact and Response:*
The attack has raised concerns about the safety of Russia’s military assets, even deep within its territory. Russia’s defense ministry has confirmed that several military planes were hit in the drone attacks. The operation comes ahead of direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials, aimed at negotiating a ceasefire deal.
