How hidden drones let Ukraine target 5 Russian airfields in Operation ‘Spider’s Web’

Operation Spider’s Web: Massive SBU-led drone strike hits 41 aircraft across 5 regions

In one of its most far-reaching operations since the war began, Ukraine on Sunday executed a massive drone strike against five key Russian military airbases, in what it dubbed Operation ‘Spider’s Web’. The attack, led by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), struck aircraft thousands of kilometers from the frontlines, including strategic bombers and surveillance planes, and was described by President Volodymyr Zelensky as Ukraine’s “longest-range operation” to date.

Airbases targeted deep inside Russia

Russia confirmed that airfields in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions were targeted. While Moscow claimed to have successfully repelled some of the attacks, it admitted that several aircraft caught fire at bases in Murmansk and Irkutsk following the launch of FPV (first-person-view) drones.

“All terror attacks on military airfields in Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions were repelled. Several aircraft caught fire in Murmansk and Irkutsk; the fires were extinguished,” said the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Ukraine claims it used 117 drones in the operation, successfully striking 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers at the targeted locations.

Covert tactics behind Operation ‘Spider’s Web’

President Zelensky revealed that Operation Spider’s Web was the result of over 18 months of planning. The SBU reported that drones were smuggled into Russia concealed inside wooden cabins on trucks. The drone-laden containers had remote-controlled roofs, allowing for immediate launch near the airfields.

Photos released by the SBU showed dozens of small black drones hidden inside transport containers. Russia confirmed that the drones were not launched from Ukrainian territory but “in close proximity to the airbases.”

Notably, the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk—located 4,300 kilometers from Ukraine’s border, and Olenya airbase in Murmansk—2,000 kilometers from the frontlines, were among the farthest targets hit. Video footage circulating online appeared to show thick smoke and burning aircraft at these locations.

Ukrainian “Pavutyna” (spider net) operation is today’s attack launched simultaneously on four russia’s strategic aviation airbases has reportedly destroyed 40 (forty) strategic bombers on 4 (four) airbases: Belaya (4700 km from Ukraine), Dyagilevo (700 km), Olenya (2000 km),… pic.twitter.com/AYr5g7Xr7L

— Sergej Sumlenny, LL.M (@sumlenny) June 1, 2025

Ukraine claims $7 billion in damage

According to the SBU, the attack caused approximately $7 billion in losses, damaging multiple strategic aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers, and the A-50 radar and command aircraft.

Russia has not independently confirmed the extent of the damage but acknowledged fires and the detention of several suspects, including a truck driver from whom one drone was launched.

President Zelensky claimed Ukrainian operatives involved in planning the attack were extracted safely from Russian territory.

Diplomatic timing and ceasefire talks

The drone offensive came just ahead of scheduled talks in Istanbul between Ukrainian and Russian delegations, hosted by Turkey and encouraged by US President Donald Trump.

Zelensky stated that the Ukrainian delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, would push for a complete and unconditional ceasefire, along with the return of prisoners and abducted children.

Although Russia has historically dismissed ceasefire appeals, it confirmed that it had developed its own peace terms, though details remain undisclosed.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone discussion about diplomatic pathways, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry.

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