In a meticulously planned and executed operation, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) launched a series of drone strikes deep into Russian territory on June 1, targeting four key airbases and reportedly destroying or damaging over 40 military aircraft, including strategic bombers and surveillance planes. The operation, codenamed “Spiderweb,” marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s military capabilities and reach.
On June 1, Ukrainian forces executed simultaneous drone attacks on four Russian airbases: Belaya in Irkutsk Oblast, Olenya in Murmansk Oblast, Dyagilevo in Ryazan Oblast, and Ivanovo Severny in Ivanovo Oblast. These bases are located thousands of kilometers from the Ukrainian border, with Belaya situated over 2,500 miles away.
Ukrainian forces reportedly smuggled small, first-person-view (FPV) drones into Russia concealed within mobile wooden cabins mounted on trucks. The cabins’ roofs were remotely opened, allowing the drones to launch and strike their targets. These AI-guided drones executed precision strikes, marking what Kyiv officials call a “turning point” in the war.
The operation underscores Ukraine’s growing capabilities in conducting deep strikes within Russian territory, challenging Moscow’s assumptions about the safety of its strategic assets. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claims that the operation resulted in the destruction or damage of over 40 Russian military aircraft, including nuclear-capable Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers, as well as A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft.
This development comes amid ongoing peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, with a new round of negotiations scheduled in Istanbul. The timing of the operation may influence the dynamics of these discussions, as Ukraine demonstrates its capacity to strike critical Russian military infrastructure.
Operation Spiderweb represents a significant escalation in Ukraine’s military strategy, showcasing innovative tactics and the ability to target high-value assets deep within enemy territory. As both nations navigate the complexities of warfare and diplomacy, the implications of this operation will likely reverberate in the strategic calculations of both Kyiv and Moscow.
