Ukrainian President Praises Landmark Drone Operation Against Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has commended a significant drone strike deep inside Russian territory, describing it as a "brilliant result" and a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict. The operation, named Operation Spider Web, targeted multiple Russian military airfields, resulting in the destruction of over 40 aircraft, including strategic bombers and surveillance planes.
Details of Operation Spider Web
This large-scale attack, executed solely by Ukrainian forces after more than 18 months of preparation, reportedly destroyed 41 Russian planes. Among the damaged aircraft were the Tupolev Tu-95 and Tu-22M strategic bombers, which are key platforms used by Moscow to conduct missile strikes on Ukraine. Additionally, the A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft, vital for coordinating missile operations, was also hit.
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) stated that the operation led to approximately $7 billion in damage and eliminated about 34% of Russia's air missile carrier fleet. These figures have yet to be independently verified but highlight the scale of the strike.
Complexity and Execution
A senior Ukrainian military official described the mission as "extremely complex." According to President Zelenskyy, 117 drones participated in the coordinated assault, each operated by individual drone operators. The operation is noted as Ukraine’s most long-range military action to date, with all personnel involved safely withdrawn from Russian territory following the strike.
Russian Response and Context
The Russian defense ministry confirmed attacks on military bases located in Irkutsk and Murmansk, cities over 4,000 kilometers from Ukraine. It also reported repelling other drone strikes in regions such as Amur, Ivanovo, and Ryazan.
The timing of this drone assault closely preceded a new round of peace negotiations scheduled in Istanbul. President Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's right to self-defense and reiterated the goal to pressure Russia into ending the war.
Significance of the Operation
President Zelenskyy acknowledged General Vasyl Maliuk, the head of Ukraine’s Security Service, for the success of the mission, calling it a moment destined to be recorded in history books as a defining chapter of the war. The operation underscores Ukraine's advancing military capabilities and strategic reach amid the ongoing conflict.
Key Highlights:
- Destruction of over 40 Russian aircraft, including strategic bombers and an airborne early warning plane.
- Estimated $7 billion in damage inflicted on Russian military assets.
- Use of 117 drones operated in a highly coordinated and long-range attack.
- Confirmed drone strikes in multiple Russian regions far from the frontlines.
- Operation took over 18 months of preparation by Ukrainian forces.
As the conflict continues, this operation signals a significant escalation in Ukraine's military strategy and its capability to conduct sophisticated long-range missions deep within Russian territory.
