Ukraine pulls off historic attack on Russian bomber fleet

In a truly audacious attack on Russia’s strategic bomber fleet, Ukraine’s drones destroyed billions of dollars worth of aircraft deep inside Russian territory on 1 June 2025.

CAPTION: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is briefed on the success of Operation Spider’s Web by the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine General Vasyl Maliuk. Photo courtesy of President Zelenskyy’s social media.

“7 billion US dollars – such oriented cost of strategic aviation of the enemy, which was struck today as a result of the special operation of the SBU ‘web'”, an official Ukrainian Facebook post boasted shortly after the attack.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on his official web site that it was genuinely satisfying when something he authorised a year and six months ago came to fruition and deprived Russians of over 40 units of strategic aviation.

“Russia suffered significant losses — entirely justified and deserved,” Mr Zelenskyy said.

“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 the operation with a corresponding number of drone operators involved.

“34% of the strategic cruise missile carriers stationed at air bases were hit.”

President Zelenskyy said the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine General Vasyl Maliuk delivered the report to him regarding yesterday’s operation.

“[This was] an absolutely brilliant result – a result achieved solely by Ukraine.

“One year, six months, and nine days from the start of planning to effective execution.

“Our most long-range operation.

“Our people involved in preparing the operation were withdrawn from Russian territory in time.

“I thanked General Maliuk for this success of Ukraine.

“I instructed the Security Service of Ukraine to inform the public about the details and results of the operation that can be disclosed.

“Of course, not everything can be revealed at this moment, but these are Ukrainian actions that will undoubtedly be in history books.

“Ukraine is defending itself, and rightly so – we are doing everything to make Russia feel the need to end this war.

“Russia started this war, Russia must end it. Glory to Ukraine!”

Reports (yet to be verified) suggest the Operation Spider’s Web hit 41 aircraft including Tu-95 and Tu-22 strategic bombers and A-50 radar detection and command aircraft.

This early analysis video by US military commentator Preston Stewart confirms significant damage…

 

This news report from the BBC is interesting for the detail of the locations that were targeted…

 

It seems from the above reports that Operation Spider’s Web was a coordinated attack on four separate Russian bases, by relatively cheap remote-controlled drones, launched from semi-trailers that ‘self destructed’ immediately after the mission was complete.

While it took 18 months to plan and execute, Operation Spider’s Web has likely taken out a significant portion of Russia’s strategic nuclear launch capabilities.

Retired Australian Major General Mick Ryan was impressed by Ukraine’s accomplishment yesterday, saying on Twitter, “the spectacular Ukrainian attack on multiple airbases highlights the progress that Ukraine has made building an effective long-range strike capability since 2022”.

“The attack emphasises the impact of drones, the need for better drone defences in bases at home, the requirement for more creativity (and diversity) in strike operations, and the need to better appreciate (and take) strategic risks,” Mr Ryan said.

“There are many lessons that western military organisations might take from this.

“For those in the Australian government and Dept of Defence that have resisted learning from Ukraine and use of autonomous systems, and who remain addicted to big, expensive, exquisite systems in small numbers – are you listening now?”

 

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