Ukraine's daring drone strike shifts balance in Russia conflict
On Sunday, a Ukrainian operation codenamed "Spider Web" was conducted. The Armed Forces of Ukraine used drones to destroy Russian nuclear bombers located at airfields. The "Daily Mail" provides details of the action.
The Ukrainian operation "Spider Web" had been in preparation for 18 months and ended with spectacular success. On Sunday, June 1st, on the eve of planned Ukrainian-Russian negotiations in Istanbul, Ukrainian special forces executed an attack on Russian nuclear bombers. The destruction of these strategic assets could influence the further course of the talks.
Operation "Spiderweb": How Ukraine attacked airfields in Russia
As described by the "Daily Mail," the operation began by smuggling kamikaze drones into Russia. These drones, hidden in special wooden "cabins" on trucks, were remotely activated when they were within range of five Russian air bases. Thanks to the cameras placed on the drones, they precisely hit the targets, destroying 41 aircraft worth about 2.7 billion Canadian dollars.
The losses for the Russians are staggering. Bombers such as the Tu-95 and Tu-22M were destroyed—these machines are crucial for Russian military operations. Their loss has significantly weakened Russia's capability to conduct raids on Ukraine. Russia no longer produces these machines, which means they cannot be easily replaced.
Expert reactions to the attack in Russia
Military experts, like former RAF pilot Mikey Kay, emphasize that the Russians did not expect such an attack. In turn, Professor Philip O'Brien from the University of St Andrews called the operation "the most extraordinary and successful" in this war. However, he fears that Russia's reaction may be violent.
The Telegram channel Fighterbomber, likely run by Captain Ilya Tumanov, wrote: "Today will later be called a black day for Russian long-range aviation. And the day is not over yet." Military blogger Roman Alekhin called the attack "Russia's Pearl Harbor."
Consequences for negotiations
Peace talks were scheduled to take place in Istanbul, but it is unclear if they will go ahead. Ukraine planned to propose a 30-day ceasefire and a prisoner exchange. Russia has so far rejected such proposals, and recent events may further complicate the situation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who oversaw the operation, emphasized its historical significance. On social media, he wrote that this is Ukraine's "most long-range operation" which ended successfully.
