Russia scrambles to save military aircraft as Ukraine’s “Operation Spider’s Web” causes unprecedented damage deep inside Russian territory, exposing Putin’s vulnerability at a critical moment in the conflict.
Key Takeaways
- Russia claims aircraft were merely “damaged” not “destroyed” in Ukraine’s coordinated drone attack, despite satellite imagery and video evidence showing extensive destruction
- Ukraine’s “Operation Spider’s Web” reportedly damaged around 40 Russian bomber jets and surveillance planes, with U.S. officials estimating 10 were completely destroyed
- President Trump discussed the attack with President Putin, who indicated Russia will respond to the Ukrainian operation that was 18 months in planning
- The attack demonstrates Ukraine’s growing technological capabilities in drone warfare and ability to strike deep within Russian territory
- The operation included additional strikes on the Crimean bridge, showing Ukraine’s multi-faceted approach to degrading Russian military capabilities
Russia Downplays Aircraft Destruction Despite Evidence
Russian officials are insisting that military aircraft targeted in Ukraine’s massive drone operation can be restored, contradicting evidence of catastrophic damage. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov attempted to minimize the impact of the coordinated drone strikes that penetrated deep into Russian airspace. “As the defense ministry said, these aircraft were not destroyed but damaged. They will be repaired,” stated Sergey Ryabkov, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister. However, satellite imagery and video footage released by Ukrainian forces tell a different story, showing Russian aircraft engulfed in flames and substantial damage to airfields hosting strategic bombers used to launch attacks against Ukraine.
The sophisticated operation, dubbed “Spider’s Web” by Ukrainian forces, targeted multiple Russian airbases simultaneously. U.S. intelligence sources have confirmed the effectiveness of the strikes, estimating that up to 20 Russian warplanes were hit, with at least 10 completely destroyed. These assessments directly contradict Russian claims of minimal damage. The affected aircraft reportedly include Tu-22M3 bombers, Tu-95 strategic bombers, and reconnaissance planes – all critical assets in Russia’s ongoing campaign against Ukraine. The loss of these aircraft, even temporarily, represents a significant blow to Russia’s air power capabilities.
Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Bomber Bases in Unprecedented Attack – Video of Bombings
Massive Strike on Strategic Bombers
Moscow/Kyiv (June 1, 2025) – Ukrainian forces have carried out a large-scale drone strike against multiple Russian military airfields, reportedly… pic.twitter.com/WOdBxF4ITi
— Vanilla Gorilla (@VanillaGorilaX) June 1, 2025
Presidential Communications and Strategic Implications
President Donald Trump has confirmed discussions with Vladimir Putin regarding the Ukrainian drone operation. “We discussed the attack on Russia’s docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides. It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace. President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields,” stated Donald Trump, President of the United States. This conversation highlights the delicate diplomatic situation as Russia weighs its response options while simultaneously trying to downplay the effectiveness of Ukraine’s operation.
Notably, President Trump’s administration was not informed in advance about Ukraine’s plans, raising questions about coordination between Ukraine and its Western allies. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally oversaw the operation, which Ukrainian officials say was meticulously planned over an 18-month period. The attack demonstrates Ukraine’s growing capacity to develop and deploy sophisticated drone technology capable of penetrating deep into Russian territory despite Moscow’s extensive air defense systems. This operational success may influence future negotiations by strengthening Ukraine’s position and demonstrating its ability to impose costs on Russia from within.
Escalation and Broader Conflict Dynamics
Ukraine’s tactical approach has expanded beyond the aircraft strikes. Ukrainian forces simultaneously conducted an underwater operation targeting the Crimean Bridge, a critical supply route connecting Russia to the occupied peninsula. This multi-domain approach shows Ukraine’s strategic intent to degrade multiple aspects of Russia’s military infrastructure simultaneously. In what appears to be a retaliatory move, Zelenskyy reported a “savage strike” by Russian forces on the Ukrainian city of Sumy shortly after the drone operation, suggesting the conflict may be entering a new phase of intensified exchanges. The effectiveness of Operation Spider’s Web has clearly touched a nerve in Moscow.
The success of Ukraine’s drone campaign has implications for the broader conflict dynamics. By demonstrating the ability to strike strategic targets deep within Russia, Ukraine has potentially shifted the risk calculation for Moscow. Russian military planners must now consider the vulnerability of their assets previously thought to be safely beyond Ukraine’s reach. This development comes at a time when American taxpayers continue to question the billions in aid sent to Ukraine with seemingly little progress toward ending the conflict. The operation’s success may reinvigorate debate about the effectiveness of Ukraine’s military strategy and the return on America’s substantial investment in the country’s defense capabilities.
