Ukraine’s “Spiderweb” Drone Operation Strikes Over 40 Russian Bombers in Deep-Strike Blow
by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – In a bold and unprecedented deep-strike operation, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has reportedly damaged or destroyed more than 40 Russian strategic aircraft in coordinated drone attacks across four airbases deep inside Russian territory.
The campaign, codenamed “Operation Spiderweb” (“Pavutina” in Ukrainian), is being hailed as one of Ukraine’s most sophisticated and devastating special operations since the start of the war over three years ago.
The timing of the strikes is especially significant, coming just days ahead of high-stakes peace talks tentatively scheduled to begin in Geneva. Western officials say the talks—brokered by neutral intermediaries—aim to explore the possibility of a limited ceasefire and hostage exchange. Analysts say Ukraine’s aggressive posture may be calculated to shift the balance of leverage going into the negotiations, sending a clear message that Kyiv can strike far beyond the front lines if Russia continues targeting Ukrainian cities with long-range missile attacks.
According to multiple sources including the Kyiv Independent, Sky News, and BBC, the SBU utilized smuggled first-person-view (FPV) drones launched from mobile platforms—concealed in wooden cabins aboard cargo trucks parked near the airfields. At a designated time, the roofs of the cabins opened remotely and unleashed the drones directly at Russia’s prized bomber fleet.
The targeted airbases included Belaya in Irkutsk Oblast, Dyagilevo in Ryazan, Ivanovo Severny in Ivanovo Oblast, and Olenya in Murmansk Oblast. These sites host critical assets such as the Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 long-range bombers as well as the A-50 early warning and control aircraft. The A-50, valued at around $350 million, plays a pivotal role in detecting Ukrainian air defenses and guiding Russian missile strikes. Ukraine’s successful targeting of these planes represents a significant blow to Russia’s long-range strike capability.
Video footage provided to international media shows rows of bombers ablaze, thick smoke rising from the runways. Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev confirmed a drone strike on a military unit in the village of Sredny, while Murmansk Governor Andrey Chibis acknowledged attacks by “enemy drones,” though details remain limited.
The Kyiv Independent cited sources claiming the damages could exceed $2 billion. In contrast, each FPV drone involved in the operation cost only a few hundred dollars, showcasing the asymmetry and innovation defining Ukraine’s evolving drone warfare strategy.
Security sources noted the operation was over a year in the making and personally overseen by President Volodymyr Zelensky and SBU Chief Vasyl Malyuk. “Right now, the Security Service of Ukraine is conducting a large-scale special operation to destroy enemy bomber aircraft in the rear of the Russian Federation,” an SBU source stated.
Analysts say the strikes could mark a turning point in the aerial dimension of the conflict. Until now, Russian bombers had remained relatively secure, operating from airbases far beyond the range of traditional Ukrainian systems. With this new capability, Ukraine has demonstrated a reach deep into Russia’s strategic heartland.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has not officially responded to the operation, but the loss or disabling of over 40 aircraft—including platforms integral to Russia’s missile assault campaign against Ukraine—represents a dramatic shift in the air power equation of the war.
Whether this is a singular success or the beginning of a new phase in Ukraine’s drone-led offensive strategy remains to be seen. For now, however, Operation Spiderweb has shown that Russia’s skies may no longer be safe—even far from the front lines.
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