Ukraine Destroys 40 Russian Military Aircraft in Drone Strike; Moscow Retaliates with 472 Drones—385 Shot Down
In a dramatic counter-operation, Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a drone strike deep inside Russia, targeting a strategic airbase and destroying over 40 military aircraft. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has named the operation “Spiderweb.”
According to an SBU source speaking to NBC News, the primary target of the mission was Belaya Air Base in the Irkutsk region of Siberia—nearly 3,000 miles from Ukraine. The source shared a video showing explosions and smoke rising from bomber aircraft under attack by drones.
The SBU claims that at least 41 strategic bomber aircraft of the Russian Air Force were destroyed or rendered inoperable, causing over $2 billion in financial damage.
Although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not directly comment on the operation, he posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday:
“We are doing everything to protect our freedom, our state, and our people.”
His Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, posted a 🕸️ (spider web) emoji on X, hinting at the “Spiderweb” operation.
Behind the Scenes of the Covert Operation
The SBU source revealed that preparations for this complex mission had been underway for over a year. Drones were first smuggled into Russian territory using covert routes and later transported in wooden mobile cabins designed to conceal the drones. These cabins had specially engineered roofs that could open remotely to launch the drones.
Russia’s Response
The Russian government has not officially commented on the attack. However, Igor Kobzev, governor of the Irkutsk region, confirmed on Telegram that a military unit in the town of Srednyaya was hit by a drone strike. Although he didn’t mention Belaya Air Base specifically, he stated that the drones were launched from a truck.
Russia’s Massive Counterattack: 472 Drones Launched, 385 Shot Down
On the eve of the Ukrainian strike, Russia launched its own massive drone assault. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia deployed a total of 472 drones, 385 of which were shot down.
Additionally, a Russian missile strike hit a Ukrainian training unit, killing 12 soldiers and injuring 60 others, according to Ukraine’s military.
High-Stakes Peace Talks in Istanbul
Amid these escalations, Ukraine and Russia are preparing for a second round of direct peace talks in Istanbul. President Zelenskyy posted on X:
“I have determined the next steps and set our position in advance of the Istanbul meeting.”
He announced three core demands for the talks:
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A full and unconditional ceasefire
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The release of all prisoners
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The return of abducted children
Ongoing Chaos Inside Russia
Meanwhile, destruction continues within Russia. On Saturday night, two railway bridges collapsed in the Bryansk and Kursk regions, killing 7 people and injuring many more. Russian authorities have described both incidents as acts of intentional sabotage.
In Bryansk, the collapse caused a train derailment, according to Governor Alexander Bogomaz. A similar incident occurred in Kursk, confirmed by acting Governor Alexander Kinsteyn.
