Ukraine Hits Deep Inside Russia With Largest Drone Strike of the War: Over 40 Bombers Damaged in $7 Billion Blow
In a stunning escalation, Ukraine has carried out its largest drone attack since the start of the war, targeting five strategic airbases deep inside Russian territory. The unprecedented operation marks a dramatic shift in Kyiv’s ability to strike far beyond the front lines and appears to have delivered a major blow to Russia’s long range aviation fleet.
Operation “Spider’s Web”
Dubbed “Operation Spider’s Web”, the coordinated assault involved 117 drones launched across five regions of Russia Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ryazan, Ivanovo, and Amur in a mission meticulously planned over 18 months by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).
Rather than being launched from Ukraine, the drones were smuggled deep into Russia, hidden inside modified trucks and wooden sheds, and launched from sites close to their targets. The attack caught Russian defenses by surprise.
What Was Hit
The drones specifically targeted military airbases that house Russia’s strategic bombers, which have been heavily used in long range missile strikes on Ukrainian cities since 2022. Among the targeted airfields:
- Belaya Airbase (Irkutsk Oblast) – ~4,300 km from Ukraine
- Olenya Airbase (Murmansk Oblast)
- Dyagilevo (Ryazan) and Ivanovo airbases in central Russia
- Ukrainka Airbase (Amur Oblast) in the Far East
Ukraine claims over 40 Russian aircraft were either destroyed or seriously damaged, including:
- Tu 95 and Tu 22M3 strategic bombers
- A 50 airborne early warning aircraft
- Fuel tankers and support infrastructure
The total estimated damage, according to Ukraine’s SBU: $7 billion.
Confirmed by Both Sides
Russia’s Defense Ministry acknowledged the drone attacks on Sunday and confirmed that in Murmansk and Irkutsk, multiple aircraft caught fire. Although no casualties were reported, Russian officials admitted some suspects tied to the launch sites have been detained.
Zelenskyy Reacts
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the results “absolutely brilliant,” confirming that all Ukrainian personnel involved were safely extracted from Russia after the mission. He described it as Ukraine’s longest range strike to date and emphasized that it was conducted entirely by Ukrainian forces, without external military assistance.
“Russia has suffered very tangible losses and justifiably so,” Zelenskyy said in his evening address. “This operation proves we can hold them accountable far from the front.”
A Timely Message Ahead of Peace Talks
The timing is significant. Ukraine and Russia are set to begin peace talks in Istanbul on Monday, mediated by Turkiye, and backed by diplomatic efforts from the U.S. and Europe.
Ukraine’s stated priorities for the talks include:
- A complete and unconditional ceasefire
- The return of abducted children and prisoners
- Security guarantees
Russia has confirmed its participation but has not publicly revealed its terms. President Vladimir Putin reportedly rejected Turkiye’s suggestion for leader level talks.
Russia Retaliates with Drone Barrage
In apparent retaliation, Russia launched 472 drones and 7 missiles at Ukraine overnight the highest one night drone count since the war began. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting many, but some damage was confirmed in Kharkiv and Dnipro.
Meanwhile, a train carrying 388 passengers was crossing a highway bridge in Russia’s Bryansk region when the bridge exploded, killing seven and injuring 69. Russia has labeled the incident a terrorist attack but has not blamed Ukraine yet.
Strategic Consequences
Ukraine’s drone operation is widely viewed as a turning point in the war, showing:
- Ukraine now has operational reach thousands of kilometers behind enemy lines
- Russian air defenses remain vulnerable to internal sabotage and deep infiltration
- Strategic bombers, once a safe asset for Russia, are now high risk targets
Military analysts suggest the attack has neutralized at least one third of Russia’s long range missile launch capacity, potentially altering how Russia conducts future air operations.
Sources: Official statements from the Security Service of Ukraine
