Ukrainian Drone Operation Against Russian Airbases
Ukraine launched its largest and most ambitious drone attack against Russian military airbases on Sunday, June 1, 2025. The operation, code-named “Spider’s Web,” targeted strategic aviation assets deep inside Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in the use of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles in the conflict.
Scale and Planning
117 drones were used, each operated by a dedicated Ukrainian operator.
The operation was planned for over a year and a half, involving meticulous preparation and coordination across several Russian regions and time zones.
Drones were covertly launched from trucks and wooden sheds positioned near the targeted airbases, some thousands of kilometers from Ukraine, including in Siberia.
Targets and Impact
Five major Russian airbases were struck: Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions.
Ukrainian officials claim over 40 Russian military aircraft were hit, including strategic bombers (Tu-95, Tu-22) and an A-50 radar detection and command aircraft.
The strikes reportedly destroyed or set ablaze a significant portion of Russia’s strategic aviation fleet, with some sources citing up to 34% of Russia’s strategic bombers affected.
Russian Response
Russia confirmed attacks on its airfields, acknowledging that several aircraft caught fire in Murmansk and Irkutsk, though it claimed air defenses repelled attacks in other regions.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported no casualties among servicemen or civilians and stated that some individuals involved in the attacks were detained.
Russian officials described the attacks as “terrorist” acts but did not provide detailed assessments of the damage.
This operation represents the deepest and most coordinated Ukrainian drone strike inside Russia since the start of the war, targeting assets thousands of kilometers from the front lines.
The attack was timed shortly before Ukrainian-Russian ceasefire talks scheduled in Istanbul, signaling Ukraine’s capability and resolve to strike at Russia’s strategic military infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Zelensky described the operation as “brilliant,” emphasizing its strategic importance in degrading Russia’s ability to launch airstrikes against Ukrainian cities.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Operation Name | Spider’s Web |
| Drones Used | 117 |
| Russian Airbases Hit | Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, Amur |
| Aircraft Impacted | Over 40 (including Tu-95, Tu-22, A-50) |
| Method | Drones launched from within Russia, hidden in trucks and sheds |
| Ukrainian Agency | Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) |
| Russian Response | Fires confirmed at two bases, attacks repelled elsewhere, no casualties reported |
| Strategic Impact | Significant blow to Russian long-range bomber fleet, escalation in drone warfare tactics |
Ukraine’s “Spider’s Web” drone operation marks a turning point in the conflict, showcasing Kyiv’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory and inflict substantial damage on strategic military assets. The operation demonstrates advanced planning, intelligence capabilities, and the growing role of drones in modern warfare.
