Russia Ukraine War: Ukrainian drones damaged dozens of Russian nuclear bombers and other aircraft, destroying $7 billion worth in a major strike on Russian air bases.
Russia Ukraine War: On June 1, 2025, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) conducted a large-scale drone operation, codenamed “Spider Web,” targeting four Russian military airfields: Olenya in Murmansk, Belaya in Irkutsk, Ivanovo, and Dyagilevo. The operation aimed to destroy strategic bombers, including nuclear-capable Tu-95 “Bear,” Tu-22M3 “Backfire,” and Tu-160 “Blackjack” aircraft, which Russia uses for long-range missile strikes on Ukraine. Ukrainian sources claim the attack damaged or destroyed over 40 aircraft, roughly 34% of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet, with estimated damages of $7 billion.
The operation involved FPV drones smuggled into Russia inside trucks and launched remotely after 18 months of planning. Videos showed burning aircraft and significant damage, particularly at Belaya and Olenya bases. Russian officials confirmed attacks in five regions but claimed air defenses repelled most, admitting some aircraft caught fire. The strike, described as Ukraine’s most significant drone attack of the war, coincided with escalating Russian assaults and preceded ceasefire talks in Istanbul on June 2. Some Russian commentators called it “Russia’s Pearl Harbor,” with calls for retaliation, though the Kremlin has not detailed its response.
The Ukrainian drone operation, codenamed “Spider Web” or “Pavutyna,” executed on June 1, 2025, was a meticulously planned attack targeting four Russian military airfields: Olenya in Murmansk, Belaya in Irkutsk, Dyagilevo in Ryazan, and Ivanovo. This operation, led by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) under the supervision of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk, aimed to cripple Russia’s strategic bomber capabilities. Here are additional details based on available information:
● Operation Details
Planning and Execution: The operation took over 18 months to prepare, involving complex logistics. Ukrainian operatives smuggled first-person view (FPV) drones into Russia, concealed within wooden mobile cabins or sheds with remotely operated roofs. These sheds were loaded onto trucks and driven to locations near the targeted airfields. At the designated time, the roofs were remotely opened, allowing 117 drones—each with its own operator—to launch and strike Russian aircraft. The operation’s command center was reportedly located near a Russian FSB office, adding a layer of audacity.
● Targeted Airfields and Aircraft:
Olenya (Murmansk): Located in the Arctic Circle, approximately 2,000 km from Ukraine, this base hosts nuclear-capable Tu-95 “Bear” and Tu-160 “Blackjack” bombers. Videos showed burning aircraft, with Russian personnel describing the scene as chaotic.
Belaya (Irkutsk): Situated over 4,500 km from Ukraine’s border, this was the farthest target, marking the first Ukrainian drone strike in Siberia. It houses Tu-22M3 “Backfire” supersonic bombers, which launch Kh-101 cruise missiles. Satellite imagery and videos confirmed significant damage, with eyewitnesses reporting over 10 explosions.
Dyagilevo (Ryazan): About 520 km from Ukraine, this base serves as a training center for Russia’s strategic bomber force. It was targeted to disrupt Russia’s ability to sustain long-range strikes.
Ivanovo: Over 800 km from Ukraine, this base primarily supports military transport aircraft but was also hit, affecting Russia’s logistical capabilities.
Aircraft Impacted: Ukrainian sources claim 41 aircraft were hit, including Tu-95, Tu-22M3, Tu-160, and A-50 early warning planes, representing 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers. The SBU estimated damages at $7 billion, though some early estimates cited $2 billion.
The Tu-95 and Tu-160, critical for nuclear and conventional missile strikes, are no longer in production, and repairs are challenging due to Russia’s strained military-industrial capacity. The loss of Tu-160s was described as particularly significant, likened to losing “unicorns” in Russia’s fleet.
● Russian Response
Official Statements: Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed drone attacks across five regions (Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur), admitting that several aircraft caught fire in Murmansk and Irkutsk. They claimed air defenses repelled attacks in Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur, with no casualties reported and some individuals involved detained.
Local Reports: Governors of Irkutsk and Murmansk, Igor Kobzev and others, confirmed drone launches from trucks near the airfields, with Kobzev noting no civilian threat. Russian media reported drones emerging from Kamaz trucks near petrol stations, highlighting the covert nature of the attack.
Public and Military Reaction: Russian military bloggers, such as Rybar, called it a “black day for aviation,” criticizing intelligence failures and the lack of fortified hangars. Some labeled it “Russia’s Pearl Harbor,” with calls for retaliation, including nuclear options, though the Kremlin has not outlined specific responses.
Russian Counterattacks: On the same day, Russia launched a record 472 drones and seven missiles at Ukraine, one of the largest aerial assaults of the war, killing 12 Ukrainian soldiers at a training facility and injuring 60. This followed a pattern of intensified Russian strikes, including 355 drones on May 26 and 298 on May 25.
Peace Talks: The strikes coincided with preparations for talks in Istanbul, led by Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Zelenskyy prioritized a ceasefire and prisoner returns, while Russia’s position remained undisclosed. The timing suggests Ukraine aimed to strengthen its negotiating leverage.
Other Incidents: Concurrently, Russia reported two train derailments in Bryansk and Kursk, attributed to sabotage, killing seven. Ukraine denied involvement, but Russian officials linked these to the broader escalation.