In a stunning escalation of its military capabilities, Ukraine has carried out a high-risk drone operation that reportedly destroyed or severely damaged over 40 Russian military aircraft deep inside Russian territory. The mission, known as Operation “Spider Web,” is being hailed as one of Ukraine’s most successful long-range attacks since the beginning of the war.
Ukrainian officials revealed that the covert strike targeted multiple Russian airbases across the regions of Irkutsk, Murmansk, Ivanovo, and Ryazan. Utilizing modified first-person-view (FPV) drones concealed within wooden structures transported by truck, Ukraine launched a wave of remote attacks that caught Russian defenses completely off guard.
Among the aircraft struck were Tu-95 and Tu-22M strategic bombers as well as A-50 airborne early warning planes—critical assets in Russia’s long-range strike and surveillance programs. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who personally oversaw the operation’s development, said that the 18-month-long plan involved the deployment of 117 drones and cost Russia an estimated $7 billion in damage.
Zelenskyy claimed the strike took out roughly 34% of Russia’s cruise missile delivery fleet, dealing a substantial blow to Moscow’s strategic air power. The operation sends a clear message that Ukraine is not only capable of defending its territory but is also willing to take the fight far beyond the frontlines.
The timing of the offensive is notable, coming just days ahead of planned peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials in Istanbul. Ukrainian negotiators have made clear that any path to peace must include a verifiable ceasefire and the return of children abducted during the war—issues that remain major sticking points.
In retaliation for the strike, Russia unleashed its largest drone barrage since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. Russian forces launched over 470 drones and several missiles at Ukrainian targets, killing at least 12 soldiers and injuring more than 60 others. The scale of the response has drawn international concern over potential escalation.
Following the Russian counterattack, Ukrainian army commander Mykhailo Drapatyi resigned, though Ukrainian officials did not clarify if the move was related to the drone operation or the subsequent losses.
Operation Spider Web marks a turning point in the conflict, highlighting Ukraine’s growing ability to wage asymmetric warfare far beyond its borders. As both sides prepare for delicate negotiations, Ukraine’s bold new tactics could reshape not only the battlefield—but the diplomatic table as well.
The post Ukraine Says It Obliterated 40 Russian Military Planes In Drone Attack appeared first on Real News Now.
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