Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukraine’s daring Operation Spider Web has captured global attention, marking one of the most audacious drone assaults since the Russia-Ukraine war began. Using 117 drones and months of covert planning, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) orchestrated simultaneous strikes on four major Russian airbases: Olenya, Ivanovo, Dyagilevo, and Belaya.
A Strategic Strike Deep into Russia
The attack, carried out on Sunday, is believed to have severely damaged or destroyed up to 41 aircraft, including strategic bombers and two A-50 AWACS—critical assets in Russia’s surveillance and cruise missile capabilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that “half of them cannot be restored”, while others could take years to repair.
The Ukrainian SBU released video footage from the drones’ perspectives, showing precision strikes on vulnerable fuel tanks and armed aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers. Some aircraft appeared to be prepped for takeoff, loaded with cruise missiles.
Operation Concealed with Ingenuity
According to the SBU, specially modified flatbed trucks disguised as wooden cabins were used to transport and launch drones close to the Russian targets. These mobile drone platforms were equipped with retractable roofs, allowing a silent and sudden takeoff near airbases deep inside Russia.
In one case, video footage suggested a Russian police officer entering one such container—just before it exploded, possibly booby-trapped. This highlights the sophistication and psychological component of the operation.
The A-50 Loss: A Critical Blow
While satellite imagery released by Maxar Technologies confirmed the destruction of numerous bombers, confirmation on the A-50 AWACS remains visually inconclusive. However, drone footage showed precise strikes targeting the aircraft’s radar domes.
Serhii Kuzan, a Ukrainian defense analyst, explained that A-50s—capable of detecting threats over 600km away—are virtually irreplaceable. “Restarting production is highly unlikely due to sanctions, lack of imports, and destroyed manufacturing infrastructure,” he said.
Turning Point or Tactical Win?
Military observers like aviation expert Anatolii Khrapchynskyi call the strike a strategic milestone. “This is a turning point. Russia’s image of invulnerability has been pierced. Their air defense is not as strong as it claims.”
Despite Ukraine’s triumph, Moscow remains largely silent. Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented after speaking with Vladimir Putin that the Russian leader “will have to respond to the attack.” However, Trump also noted that the conversation “will not lead to immediate peace.”
Political and Psychological Impact
The psychological blow to Russia may rival the physical damage. With airbases hundreds of kilometers from the Ukrainian border breached, faith in Russia’s domestic defense network has likely been shaken. For Ukraine, it signals growing technological and strategic capability, countering Western pessimism that it was losing leverage.
Conclusion: The War Enters a New Phase
Whether Operation Spider Web marks a decisive turning point or a dramatic show of capability remains to be seen. But it has undoubtedly reshaped the battlefield—militarily and symbolically.
For a full breakdown of key war developments, read our Ukraine War Timeline.
