Russia' defense ministry said airfields had been targeted across five regions

In a dramatic escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine has executed a series of breathtaking drone strikes targeting key Russian military airfields, delivering one of the most audacious blows in the ongoing conflict. Codenamed “Operation Spiderweb” by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), the meticulously planned attacks struck four critical airbases deep within Russian territory: Belaya in Irkutsk, over 4,000 kilometers from Ukraine’s border; Dyagilevo in Ryazan; Olenya in Murmansk; and Engels in Saratov. Ukrainian officials claim the strikes damaged or destroyed over 40 strategic aircraft, including Russia’s prized Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 bombers, crippling Moscow’s long-range strike capabilities and sending shockwaves through the Kremlin.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the attacks on June 1, 2025, branding them a “heinous terrorist act” and reporting multiple aircraft engulfed in flames across regions like Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, Amur, and Saratov. The operation’s sophistication was staggering: Ukraine deployed FPV (first-person view) drones, smuggled into Russia and launched from mobile platforms like modified trucks and concealed wooden sheds. Viral footage circulating on X captures drones emerging from these makeshift launch sites, striking aircraft on the tarmac with pinpoint precision—a bold display of Ukraine’s advanced drone warfare tactics.

Personally overseen by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the strikes come at a pivotal moment, just days before planned peace negotiations in Istanbul. The operation follows Russia’s relentless assault on Ukrainian cities, with a record-breaking 479 drone and missile attacks launched in a single night, targeting civilian infrastructure and energy grids. Ukraine’s counterstrike, however, has shifted the narrative, showcasing its ability to penetrate deep into Russian territory and disrupt military operations on an unprecedented scale.

The “Spiderweb” operation leveraged cutting-edge technology, including AI-guided drones and fiber-optic systems, to bypass Russia’s air defenses, which have struggled to counter these low-cost, agile weapons. Ukrainian sources report that the drones, some assembled in secret workshops, were equipped with high-explosive warheads capable of devastating parked aircraft. The psychological impact has been profound: Russian pro-war bloggers on X have dubbed the strikes “Russia’s Pearl Harbor,” with some calling for nuclear retaliation, while others lament the vulnerability of Russia’s air fleet. Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister, meanwhile, posted cryptic imagery of a burning airfield on X, subtly celebrating the operation’s success.

This unprecedented assault underscores Ukraine’s growing reliance on innovative drone technology to offset Russia’s numerical and resource advantages. Over the past year, Ukraine has scaled up its drone production, with state-backed programs and private firms churning out thousands of units monthly. The strikes also highlight the evolving nature of modern warfare, where low-cost, high-impact weapons can shift strategic balances. However, the operation risks further inflaming an already volatile conflict, as Russia vows a “severe response” and deploys additional air defenses to protect its remaining assets.

As the world watches, the timing of the strikes—on the eve of peace talks—raises critical questions. Will Ukraine’s bold move strengthen its position at the negotiating table, or will it provoke a Russian counteroffensive that pushes the war to new heights? The international community, including NATO and the UN, has called for de-escalation, but the path forward remains uncertain. With both sides doubling down on long-range strikes, the Russia-Ukraine war is entering a dangerous new phase, where technology, strategy, and resolve will determine the outcome.


What’s at Stake?

Ukraine’s “Spiderweb” operation has redefined the conflict’s dynamics, proving its ability to strike deep into Russia’s heartland. But with Russia promising retaliation and peace talks looming, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Could this be a turning point in the war, or a prelude to even greater destruction? We want to hear from you—drop your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for real-time updates on this unfolding story!