Ukraine's operation "Spiderweb" damages Russian air force capabilities
The Ukrainian operation "Spiderweb" has destroyed Russian airbases, thereby limiting their capability to launch attacks against Ukraine, explains expert Valerij Romanenko, as quoted by the Ukrainian agency Unian. He points out that Russia now has only one base for relocating bombers, situated approximately 6,000 kilometres from the Ukrainian border.
The Ukrainian operation "Spiderweb" effectively targeted Russian airbases, which has significantly curtailed Russia's ability to launch attacks on Ukraine. As a result of this operation, carried out on 1 June 2025, at least eight strategic bombers were either destroyed or damaged, according to Unian.
Russia loses key bases
Following the drone attacks, Russia has only a single airbase available for relocating its bombers. This refers to the "Ukrainka" base in the Amur region. Expert Valerij Romanenko emphasises that relocating to this base will prevent Russia from conducting frequent attacks on Ukraine. This is primarily due to the distance from the base to Russia's border with Ukraine, which is approximately 6,000 kilometres.
Limited strategic capabilities
Romanenko explains that the "Ukrainka" base is one of the largest airports in Russia, home to the 182nd Strategic Bombers Regiment, which operates Tu-95MS aircraft. Moving the bombers to this facility means their range will not permit them to return after executing an attack on Ukraine.
Reduced threat to Ukraine
The expert adds that Russia currently has few operational bombers, which restricts its ability to carry out strategic attacks. The regularity of air raids, which was observed in previous years, will no longer be feasible.
Russia's limited capabilities may necessitate a shift in military strategy. Stationing bombers at "Ukrainka" could mean that Russia will have to abandon regular attacks on Ukraine.
It should be noted that the mentioned Tu-95MS aircraft, stationed in the Amur region, are among the oldest yet still effective components of the Russian air arsenal. Despite being in service for over seven decades, they remain an effective platform for carrying various types of weaponry. These machines can transport up to 20,000 kilograms of armament, including cruise missiles like the Kh-101, which have a range of up to 4,500 kilometres, as well as conventional and nuclear bombs.
One of the key features of the bombers is their impressive range, about 10,000 kilometres (without aerial refuelling). Powered by four NK-12 turboprop engines, these formidable Russian machines can achieve maximum speeds exceeding 800 kilometres per hour.
