A sophisticated and unprecedented drone attack, meticulously planned over 18 months, unfolded on June 1st, targeting Russian air bases deep within the country.
Over 100 Ukrainian drones struck airfields housing nuclear-capable long-range bombers, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
Explosions were reported across multiple time zones, spanning from Murmansk in the Arctic to Irkutsk, over 4,000km from the Ukrainian border, highlighting the operation’s extensive reach. Dubbed “Spider Web,” its scale was immediately apparent.
The Russian Ministry of Defence acknowledged attacks in five regions—Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur—but claimed significant damage was limited to Murmansk and Irkutsk, with other attacks repelled.
Images released by Vasyl Maliuk, head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), show satellite imagery corroborating the Russian claims of targeted locations.
Maliuk detailed the operation’s ingenious logistics: drones were smuggled into Russia and concealed within wooden cabins on trucks, their presence hidden beneath remotely operated roofs.
Truck drivers, seemingly unaware of their cargo, transported the cabins to predetermined locations near air bases. Upon arrival, the drones were launched, commencing their attacks.
Videos circulating online show drones deploying from the trucks. A Russian lorry driver, interviewed by Ria Novosti, described attempts to prevent drone launches using rocks.
“They were in the back of the truck, and we threw stones to stop them from flying,” he recounted.
Unverified reports from the Russian Telegram channel Baza, known for its security service ties, suggest drivers received similar accounts, hired by businessmen to deliver the wooden cabins.
Further instructions on parking locations were given via phone; drivers were reportedly shocked to witness the subsequent drone deployments.
In a triumphant social media post, President Zelensky, who oversaw the operation, stated 117 drones were deployed, after a 1-year, 6-month, and 9-day preparation period. He highlighted one target’s proximity to an FSB office.
Russia reported arrests related to the attack, while Zelensky asserted that those assisting the operation were safely extracted from Russian territory.
A now-deleted Telegram post from Ust-Kut authorities in the Irkutsk region named a Ukrainian-born 37-year-old as a person of interest in the Belaya airfield attack.
SBU images reveal numerous drones stored in a Chelyabinsk warehouse (a location confirmed by Russian military bloggers), underscoring the operation’s scale.
Drone expert Dr. Steve Wright, speaking to the BBC, described the drones as simple quadcopters carrying substantial payloads. The operation’s success, he argued, stemmed from the ability to smuggle, launch, and remotely control the drones via satellite or internet links. Zelensky confirmed each drone had a dedicated pilot.
Dr. Wright also suggested the drones likely utilized GPS, possibly overcoming localized jamming through manual remote piloting.
While the drone’s origin remains unconfirmed, Ukraine’s efficient domestic drone production suggests a possibility of local manufacture.
Zelensky justified the attack, stating, “Russia has suffered tangible losses, and justifiably so.” Ukraine claims 41 strategic bombers were hit, with at least 13 destroyed. Moscow has only confirmed damage to some aircraft.
BBC-verified videos show damage at Olenegorsk (Murmansk) and Belaya (Irkutsk) air bases. Targets included Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160 bombers—repairing or replacing them presents significant challenges due to their age and obsolescence.
Satellite imagery from Capella Space confirms at least four severely damaged or destroyed long-range bombers at Belaya, aligning with Ukrainian drone footage showing a Tu-95 attack.
SBU head Vasyl Malyuk stated the targets were legitimate under the laws of war: military airfields and aircraft used to attack Ukrainian cities.
Tu-95 bombers reportedly launched a Kh-101 missile attack on Ukraine last week, each carrying eight guided cruise missiles with 400kg warheads.
A-50 spy planes were also reportedly targeted, representing a significant blow to Russia’s intelligence-gathering and strike capabilities. The number of A-50s is uncertain, but estimates place it around eight, making any losses substantial.
The SBU estimated the operation’s cost to Russia at $7 billion.
Russian state media largely ignored the event, briefly mentioning regional authorities’ statements before dropping the story. Conversely, Ukrainians celebrated online, praising the operation’s scale and impact.
Zelensky concluded on Telegram, “Not everything can be revealed now, but these actions will undoubtedly be in history books.”
Additional reporting by Kumar Malhotra, Tom Spencer, Richard Irvine-Brown, Paul Brown and Benedict Garman
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