Ukraine Launches Historic Drone Strike On Russian Airbases, Targets Strategic Bombers.
In a bold and meticulously planned operation, Ukraine executed its most ambitious airstrike of the ongoing conflict with Russia, targeting multiple Russian airbases deep within enemy territory. The large-scale drone attack, codenamed “Operation Spider’s Web,” struck strategic military assets, including nuclear-capable bombers, in a move that Ukrainian officials hailed as a historic blow to Russia’s air capabilities. The operation, disclosed on Sunday, June 1, 2025, comes on the eve of renewed ceasefire talks in Istanbul, signaling Ukraine’s resolve to maintain pressure on Moscow both militarily and diplomatically.
A Feat of Precision and Planning
The operation, orchestrated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and personally overseen by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, targeted airfields across five Russian regions, including the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk, over 2,500 miles from Ukraine’s border. Ukrainian officials reported that more than 40 Russian aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 strategic bombers, were hit, with damages estimated at $7 billion. These bombers, capable of launching cruise missiles, have been a cornerstone of Russia’s aerial assaults on Ukrainian cities.
The SBU revealed that the attack was the culmination of over 18 months of preparation. Scores of small drones were smuggled into Russia, concealed in wooden sheds and transported via freight trucks to locations near the targeted airbases. The drones were then launched remotely, catching Russian defenses off guard. Video footage shared with international media, including Sky News and Reuters, purportedly showed Russian bombers engulfed in flames, with thick smoke rising from the Belaya airfield.
President Zelenskyy, addressing the nation on Sunday, described the operation as “an absolutely brilliant result” that would “undoubtedly be in history books.” He emphasized its significance as Ukraine’s longest-range operation to date, underscoring the country’s growing capability to strike deep into Russian territory. “This is our response to those who bomb our cities every night,” Zelenskyy said, referencing Russia’s recent escalation of drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
Strategic Impact and Russian Response
The operation targeted aircraft critical to Russia’s long-range strike capabilities, including the Tu-95, originally designed to carry nuclear warheads, and the Tu-22M3, both of which have been used to launch cruise missiles against Ukraine. Ukrainian military blogger Oleksandr Kovalenko noted that even if not all aircraft were destroyed, the damage would severely hamper Russia’s ability to repair or replace these assets in the near term, given the strained state of its military-industrial complex.
Russia’s Defense Ministry acknowledged the attack, confirming that Ukrainian drones struck airfields in five regions, with several aircraft catching fire. Russian war bloggers expressed outrage, calling for retaliatory strikes against Kyiv, reflecting the operation’s psychological and strategic impact. The attack also exposed vulnerabilities in Russia’s air defenses, particularly as one Ukrainian command post was reportedly located near a Russian FSB facility, adding to the Kremlin’s embarrassment.
The timing of the strike, just hours before ceasefire negotiations in Istanbul, has intensified tensions. Russian forces have escalated their own attacks, launching 367 drones and missiles across Ukraine in the war’s largest single aerial assault on May 25, 2025, killing at least 12 people, including three children. Ukrainian officials condemned the U.S. for its perceived “silence” on Russia’s attacks, while President Trump criticized both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy, calling for de-escalation but declining immediate sanctions on Moscow.
Diplomatic Context and Global Reactions
The drone strike coincides with Ukraine’s push for a stronger position at the negotiating table. President Zelenskyy announced that a delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov would attend talks in Istanbul on Monday, June 2, 2025, prioritizing a “complete and unconditional ceasefire” and the return of prisoners and abducted children. However, Russian demands, including a written pledge to halt NATO’s eastward expansion and lift sanctions, remain major sticking points.
International reactions have been mixed. The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, called for increased pressure on Russia, while Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul advocated for additional Western sanctions in response to Russia’s recent bombardments. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated calls for direct talks, noting that the Trump administration was not informed of Ukraine’s operation in advance, a claim echoed by Ukrainian officials.
A Message to Russia and the World
Analysts see the operation as a clear message from Kyiv to both Moscow and the West: Ukraine remains a formidable force capable of sophisticated, long-range operations despite Russia’s territorial gains in Donbas and Sumy. The BBC’s Paul Adams noted that the strike, comparable to Ukraine’s sinking of the Moskva or the Kerch Bridge attack, underscores Kyiv’s refusal to be dismissed as negotiations loom.
As the war enters its fourth year, Ukraine’s audacious strike has reshaped the narrative, highlighting its resilience and technological prowess. While the full extent of the damage to Russia’s airfleet remains unverified, the operation has undoubtedly dealt a significant blow to Moscow’s military capabilities and morale. As ceasefire talks resume, the world watches closely to see whether this bold move will shift the dynamics of the conflict or further escalate the cycle of retaliation.
