Ukraine's 'Spider Web' Operation: Zelensky's Daring Plan to Disrupt Russian Air Power

The attacks, which were carried out using FPV drones, resulted in the destruction of several Russian aircraft, including Tu-95 strategic bombers and An-12 transport planes. Satellite images released by the US-based company UMBRA revealed the extent of the destruction, showing that at least 8 Russian strategic bombers were destroyed in the attacks. The Russian government has confirmed that several of its aircraft were destroyed or damaged in the attacks, but has sought to downplay the extent of the damage.

Ukrainian forces launched a massive drone strike against multiple Russian military airbases, resulting in significant damage to the Russian air force. The country's security agency carried out the operation, utilizing FPV drones to target Russian airbases in five different states, including Murmansk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, Amur, and Irkutsk. While the exact number of destroyed aircraft remains unclear, with Ukraine claiming the destruction of over 40 bombers, including A-50 airborne early warning aircraft, Tu-95, and Tu-22M3 strategic bombers, Russia has only confirmed that several aircraft were damaged or destroyed.

The attack, which was reportedly planned and executed over the course of a year and a half, highlights the vulnerability of Russia's airbase defenses. Russian authorities acknowledged that while airbases in Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur states successfully repelled the attacks, those in Murmansk and Irkutsk states suffered damage, with multiple pieces of aviation equipment catching fire. Ukrainian forces smuggled the drones into Russia, concealing them in specially designed containers that were transported by cargo trucks. The drones were then launched directly from the trucks, allowing them to catch the Russian air defenses off guard.

President Zelensky has disclosed that he personally oversaw the planning of the complex operation, which involved a multi-layered strategy to weaken Russian forces and bolster Ukraine's defenses. The operation has been hailed as a major success by Ukrainian officials, with President Zelensky praising the bravery and skill of the Ukrainian security services. The operation is seen as a significant escalation of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and has raised concerns about the potential for further attacks on Russian territory.

American satellite images have confirmed that the Russian military has suffered losses of at least 8 strategic bombers. The drones were smuggled into Russia via secret channels and hidden in modified trucks with wooden compartments. The drones were then remotely activated, striking multiple Russian airbases and causing significant damage. Russian authorities have confirmed that several aircraft were damaged or destroyed in the attacks, although they dispute Ukraine's claim of destroying 41 strategic bombers. The operation has raised concerns about the vulnerability of Russian airbases to drone attacks, and the potential for similar operations in the future. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, the use of drones and other unconventional tactics is likely to play an increasingly important role.