Operation Spiderweb: Ukrainian Drones Cause Billions in Damage to Russia’s Long-Range Aviation
Ukraine carried out one of the boldest actions of its asymmetric war against Russia: Operation Spiderweb, a coordinated drone offensive that hit strategic military airbases deep inside Russian territory, causing significant damage to Moscow’s fleet of bombers.
+ Explosions at Russian Airbases: Video Shows Precise SBU Drone Attack
Recent open-source imagery confirms the targets hit:
Olenya Air Base (Kola Peninsula)
- 2 Tu-95MS strategic bombers destroyed
- 2 Tu-95MS bombers damaged
- 1 An-12 transport aircraft destroyed
Belaya Air Base (Siberia)
- 3 Tu-95MS bombers damaged
- 2 Tu-22M3 supersonic bombers damaged
The estimated damage exceeds USD 7 billion, representing a significant loss to Russia’s strategic strike capability, with nearly one-third of its cruise missile carriers affected.
+ Video shows drones taking off from a truck in the Irkutsk region of Russia
The operation involved the coordinated launch of over 100 drones, and in several cases, footage shows drones being launched from rural roads and forest paths within Russian territory. The equipment is believed to have been transported and activated by local operatives or infiltrated agents, operating with high secrecy and precision.
This complex logistics network points to a well-structured Ukrainian presence inside Russia, including route planning, mobile launch points, and secure extraction of involved personnel.
Official Statement from the President of Ukraine
The Ukrainian president publicly commented on the success of the operation:
“Thanks to the Security Service, especially General Malyuk, and to everyone involved in the operation. The operation was prepared for over a year and a half. The planning, organization, and every detail were perfectly executed. We can confidently say that this is a completely unique operation.
The most interesting part — and we can now say this publicly — is that the ‘office’ for our operation inside Russia was located right next to the regional FSB office.
A total of 117 drones were used in the operation. An equivalent number of drone operators were involved. 34% of cruise missile strategic carriers at their airbases were hit. Our personnel operated across different Russian regions — in three time zones. And the people who helped us were evacuated from Russian territory on the eve of the operation; they are now safe.”
+ Video: Zelensky Reveals Secret Operation with 117 Drones That Struck Russian Bases Next to the FSB
According to Western military analysts, Operation Spiderweb represents a turning point in the strategic use of drones: “This marks a new phase in modern warfare: drone strikes are redefining the balance between offense and deterrence.”
Source: Satellite images, OSINT | Telegram @V_Zelenskiy_official | @army_tv. This content was AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team.
