Ukraine’s recent nationwide assault on Russia’s air force showcases remarkable audacity and ingenuity. While the claimed $7 billion (£5.2 billion) in damages remains unverified, “Operation Spider’s Web” undeniably constitutes a significant propaganda victory.
This operation is being compared to previous Ukrainian military successes, including the sinking of the Moskva, the Kerch Bridge bombing, and the Sevastopol harbor attack. However, leaked information from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) suggests this latest operation was the most complex to date.
Eighteen months in the making, the operation involved smuggling numerous small drones into Russia, storing them in freight trucks, transporting them to widely dispersed locations, and launching them remotely at nearby airbases.
Defense analyst Serhii Kuzan described it as unprecedented, highlighting the significant impact on Russia’s strategic bomber fleet. He noted that around 40 of the approximately 120 strategic bombers were targeted, a substantial blow.
Military blogger Oleksandr Kovalenko emphasizes the long-term consequences. Even if the bombers weren’t destroyed, the damage inflicted on Russia’s aging fleet of Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160 bombers—no longer in production—will be difficult, if not impossible, to repair fully.
The loss of the supersonic Tu-160s is particularly significant. Kovalenko describes it as a devastating blow to Russia’s air power, highlighting the strategic implications of the losses.
Beyond the material damage, Operation Spider’s Web sends a powerful message to both Russia and Ukraine’s Western allies. A Ukrainian government official expressed frustration to the BBC Ukrainian Service about the perception among some Western partners that Ukraine has already lost the war.
This sentiment is echoed by Ukrainian defense journalist Illia Ponomarenko, who counters the narrative of imminent Ukrainian defeat. The success of the operation directly refutes claims that Ukraine lacks effective countermeasures.
The message is clear: Ukraine is still actively fighting and possesses significant capabilities. As Ukrainian delegates head to Istanbul for ceasefire negotiations, this demonstration of strength reinforces their position at the negotiating table.
The operation challenges the prevailing pessimism surrounding Ukraine’s prospects, sending a strong message to both Russia and those who underestimate Kyiv’s resolve and capacity to resist.
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