Ukraine Targets Strategic Russian Bombers
Ukraine launched its furthest drone attack to date on Sunday, striking Russian air bases across five regions. Ukrainian authorities confirmed the use of 117 drones to target 41 Russian military aircraft in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff posted on Telegram that the strike damaged nuclear-capable A-50, Tu-95, and Tu-22M3 bombers. Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed the damage exceeded $US7 billion, or $10.9 billion.
Full video of Ukraine’s drone strike on parked Russian Nuclear capable bombers at Olenya airbase pic.twitter.com/DAErFuk73A
— Gig (SyncroLeap) (@SyncroGig) June 2, 2025
Zelenskyy Calls Attack “Brilliant”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the mission as an “absolutely brilliant” success. “Russia has had very tangible losses, and justifiably so,” he said. He confirmed the operation was the “longest-range” action by Ukraine and said it had been prepared for over a year and a half.
He highlighted that Ukraine conducted the mission independently, stating the result was “produced by Ukraine independently.”
Today, a brilliant operation was carried out. The preparation took over a year and a half. What’s most interesting, is that the “office” of our operation on Russian territory was located directly next to FSB headquarters in one of their regions.
In total, 117 drones were used in… pic.twitter.com/tU0SMN9jdB
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 1, 2025
Operation Named ‘Spider’s Web’
Military sources revealed that the plan, dubbed “Spider’s Web,” involved smuggling drones deep into Russian territory. According to AP reports, first-person view (FPV) drones were moved via trucks and hidden in mobile wooden kit houses.
At the planned moment, the house roofs opened remotely, launching drones toward Russian aircraft. A senior US defence official confirmed that the US received no prior notification.
Image of the drones used released by Ukraine
Low-Cost Drones Cause Major Losses
Retired Major-General Gus McLachlan told ABC News Channel that Ukraine’s drone tactics represent effective military innovation. “Their ability to find innovative ways and adapt these new technologies at very low cost is extraordinary,” he said.
He estimated the drones cost around $4,000 each. “I’m sure there was significant cost in setting up these kit homes with retractable roofs, et cetera,” he said. “But in real terms, we’re destroying billions of dollars worth of aircraft.”
He emphasised the difficulty Russia faces in replacing the destroyed aircraft. “We’ve seen the destruction of a high proportion of Russia’s ability to do deep strikes,” he added.
The drones were reportedly smuggled in via wooden houses
Drones Reach 4,300 Kilometres from Front Line
Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed that FPV drones launched near the Murmansk and Irkutsk airfields set several aircraft alight. It said fires were extinguished and no casualties were reported. It also confirmed attacks in Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions were repelled.
The Irkutsk strike marked the first Ukrainian drone assault over 4,300 kilometres from the front line. Among the aircraft struck were Russia’s Tu-95 and Tu-22M strategic bombers.
These aircraft regularly launch long-range missiles into Ukraine. Russian authorities confirmed detaining individuals involved in the operation.
Analysts Label It a “Black Day”
Ukraine’s aviation expert Valeriy Romanenko said analysts would assess satellite images to estimate damage. “Then we will be able to assess the results of this strike and determine how painful this attack was for the Russians,” he told Reuters.
He added, “But it is already clear that today was a black day for Russian aviation.” He noted that “tiny, cheap drones” struck “huge strategic bomber planes.”
“Every type of military equipment has its weak spots,” he said. “For planes, the weak spots are the fuel tanks.” He explained that if a small charge from a drone explodes on a tank, “we would see what we saw today in Olenegorsk and Belaya.”
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Russia Yet to Respond Officially
Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet commented on the incident. Aviation experts across multiple defence networks have called it a significant blow to Russian air capabilities.
Peace Talks Continue in Türkiye
Despite the escalation, Russia and Ukraine are preparing to meet in Türkiye for peace discussions. Russian news agencies confirmed receipt of Ukraine’s draft peace memorandum.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov will lead Kyiv’s delegation, according to President Zelenskyy’s Telegram post. “We are doing everything to protect our independence, our state and our people,” he said.
The talks are set to take place on Monday, local time, as both countries navigate the fallout from the largest drone attack of the war.
