Russia Caught Off Guard as Ukraine’s ‘Spider’s Web’ Cripples Air Fleet

Published on June 1, 2025 by Ruta Deshpande, Deftech Analyst

Secret Attack Called 'Spider’s Web'

Secret Attack Called 'Spider’s Web'

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a daring and long-distance drone attack on four Russian airbases, calling it "Operation Spider’s Web." The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) said this was their most long-range mission in the three years of war with Russia. The operation involved 117 drones launched from hidden locations, hitting aircraft stationed far from the front lines. The goal was to target bombers believed to be attacking Ukrainian civilian areas.

Drones Hidden in Containers

Drones Hidden in Containers

Ukrainian officials revealed that the drones used in this attack were cleverly concealed inside the ceilings of ordinary transportation containers. These containers were then secretly transported and, when ready, opened to release the drones. This allowed Ukraine to surprise Russia without giving away the location or timing of the assault. The SBU said the attack was planned and prepared for more than one and a half years in total secrecy.

$7 Billion in Damaged Aircraft

$7 Billion in Damaged Aircraft

Ukraine claimed the drone strikes damaged 41 Russian military aircraft with a total estimated value of $7 billion. The targeted airbases were located in Belaya in Siberia, Olenya in the Arctic near Finland, and Ivanovo and Dyagilevo, both located east of Moscow. Amateur footage circulated on social media showed huge fires and thick black smoke rising from airfields, although these clips have not been officially confirmed by independent sources or international observers.

Russia Confirms Aircraft on Fire

Russia Confirms Aircraft on Fire

The Russian defense ministry responded to the attack by acknowledging that some of its aircraft had caught fire during the incident. They posted a message on their official Telegram channel stating that the attack caused damage, but also claimed there were no casualties among personnel. Russia did not provide a full list of the damage or identify which planes were affected, and they did not confirm Ukraine’s reported estimate of $7 billion in losses.

Suspects Arrested in Russia

Suspects Arrested in Russia

After the attacks, Russian authorities said that several individuals had been detained in connection with the drone launches. Among them was a truck driver whose vehicle had reportedly been used as a platform to launch one of the drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later stated that people involved in the planning of the operation were safely removed from Russian territory before the attacks took place, further indicating the operation’s high level of secrecy.

Reactions from Ukraine and Russia

Reactions from Ukraine and Russia

President Zelensky praised the operation as a "brilliant" success, highlighting the coordination and intelligence efforts behind it. He also noted that one of the airbases struck was located next to a Russian FSB (security service) office, emphasizing how deep into Russia the drones had reached. Meanwhile, a popular Russian military-linked Telegram channel, Rybar, described the drone strikes as a “very heavy blow” and blamed serious failures in Russia’s intelligence and defensive preparedness.

Rare Admission by Ukrainian Army

Rare Admission by Ukrainian Army

In a separate event the same day, Ukraine admitted to a deadly missile strike by Russia on a Ukrainian training facility. The Ukrainian military reported that 12 soldiers were killed and more than 60 others were injured in the attack, despite most of them being inside shelters. As a result of this loss, Ukrainian ground forces commander Mykhailo Drapaty announced his resignation, saying he felt responsible for the deaths of the servicemen under his command.

Russia Keeps Up Its Drone Attacks

Russia Keeps Up Its Drone Attacks

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 472 drones and seven missiles against Ukrainian territory overnight, marking the highest number of aerial attacks in a single day since the war began. Although Russia often claims that Ukrainian drones are intercepted before causing damage, the volume of attacks has remained constant. Ukraine continues to face waves of drones and missiles, with both sides locked in a battle of technology and long-range strikes.

A First for Siberia

A First for Siberia

One of the targeted airbases, Belaya in Siberia, experienced its first-ever drone attack according to Igor Kobzev, the governor of Russia's Irkutsk region. He acknowledged the strike and urged local residents not to panic. Kobzev also posted a video reportedly showing a drone flying through the air and thick grey smoke billowing from the base. This event marks a new chapter in the war, with distant Russian regions now becoming part of the battlefield.

DeftechTimes is your go-to news portal for the latest updates on geopolitics, defense, and technology. Stay informed with in-depth analysis, breaking news, and expert insights on global security issues, military advancements, and cutting-edge technological developments shaping the world.

Editor Picks

Latest News

Popular Categories

© All Rights Reserved with Deftech Times