In a dramatic escalation of its military capabilities, Ukraine launched its longest-range drone strike to date against Russian military airbases in a mission codenamed "Spider’s Web." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the attack as a strategic triumph, calling it an “absolutely brilliant result” during a late-night address.
The coordinated drone offensive reportedly struck five Russian airbases, deep within Russian territory, including those in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions. According to Ukraine’s SBU security service, the strike damaged 41 aircraft, including nuclear-capable Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers, as well as A-50 surveillance planes—all allegedly used in bombing campaigns against Ukrainian cities.
Zelensky revealed the operation had been in the planning stages for over a year and a half. “One year, six months, and nine days from the start of planning to effective execution,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). He emphasized that the strike was a justified act of self-defense:
“Ukraine is defending itself, and rightly so – we are doing everything to make Russia feel the need to end this war. Russia started this war, Russia must end it. Glory to Ukraine!”
Ukraine’s SBU estimated that the attack caused up to $7 billion in damages to Russia’s strategic aviation. The agency claimed that 34% of Russia’s cruise missile carrier fleet at key airbases was hit—a figure echoed by Zelensky in his remarks.
While Ukraine touted the strike as a major success, independent verification of the full extent of damage remains unclear. Russia’s Defense Ministry acknowledged that multiple bases were targeted and aircraft were damaged, but did not specify numbers.
The operation signals a significant shift in Ukraine’s military reach and capability, potentially altering the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)