The Largest Attack on the Russian Air Force Since the War Began
Last Sunday (June 1st), Ukraine carried out its boldest attack against the Russian Air Force since the start of the war. According to Ukraine’s intelligence service, 41 Russian aircraft were damaged or destroyed across four airbases deep inside Russian territory. Among the targets were strategic bombers capable of launching cruise missiles, such as the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, as well as A-50 early warning aircraft. Military analysts consider this the most significant blow suffered by Russia’s air power since the invasion began in 2022.
“Operation Spider’s Web”: A Masterclass in Wartime Engineering
The operation, codenamed “Spider’s Web,” was the result of an 18-month-long meticulous plan. Ukrainian forces employed a highly creative and surprising strategy: drones were smuggled into Russian territory hidden inside wooden sheds mounted on trucks. At the moment of the attack, the roofs of these sheds were remotely opened, allowing the drones to launch directly toward nearby airbases. This tactic, regarded as one of the most ingenious of the war, has been compared to the legendary “Trojan Horse.”
Military and Economic Impact
The damage inflicted on the Russian air force is substantial. The Ukrainian government estimates financial losses exceeding $7 billion. The attack reportedly destroyed or disabled around 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile bomber fleet, significantly reducing Moscow’s long-range strike capabilities. Experts note that some of the aircraft hit are no longer in production, making their replacement nearly impossible. The targeted bases, located thousands of kilometers from Ukraine, include Belaya, Ivanovo, Diaghilevo, and Olenya.
Russia Strikes Back
In response, Moscow confirmed the attacks, labeling them acts of terrorism. Within hours, Russia launched one of its largest drone and missile offensives against Ukraine since the war began. More than 470 drones and seven missiles were fired in a single day, causing new damage and casualties on the Ukrainian side. According to Kyiv, most of the drones were intercepted, but the Russian counterattack still inflicted significant consequences.
Peace Talks Under Heavy Tension
This Ukrainian operation comes at a highly sensitive moment—just ahead of a new round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, Turkey. The Ukrainian delegation arrives at the negotiation table with a clear message: Ukraine is not defeated and will not accept any ceasefire terms that amount to surrender. Meanwhile, the United States is putting pressure on both parties to make progress, warning that it may scale back its involvement if tangible results are not achieved.
A Strategic Message to the World
More than just a military strike, Operation Spider’s Web carries powerful symbolic and strategic weight. It sends a message to both Moscow and Ukraine’s Western allies: Ukraine remains resilient and capable of executing sophisticated operations deep within enemy territory. The offensive reinforces that, despite Russian advances on the front lines, Kyiv still holds powerful cards and refuses to be treated as a lost cause.
