INTERNATIONAL: Ukraine’s “Spider’s Web” Drone Blitz Covert Operation
Precision Strike Far Behind Enemy Lines
In a bold escalation of its long-range strike capabilities, Ukraine launched a meticulously planned drone offensive on multiple Russian military airbases over the weekend. The attack, dubbed “Spider’s Web,” was executed thousands of kilometers from the current front line, targeting strategic Russian cruise missile carriers.
President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the mission as “amazing,” stating it was “just and appropriate.” According to Ukrainian officials, the operation resulted in the destruction of over 40 Russian military aircraft.
An Operation Years in the Making
Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) officials revealed that the mission had been in development for more than 18 months. The offensive was personally authorized by President Zelensky and executed under the direction of SBU Chief Vasyl Malyuk.
The logistics were complex: FPV (First Person View) drones were covertly transported into Russian territory concealed within wooden cabins mounted on cargo trucks. Once in place, the cabin roofs—engineered for remote activation—opened to launch the drones at designated targets.
Multi-Theatre Execution
Ukraine coordinated the attack across three separate regions within Russia, hitting high-value targets in:
- Belaya Airbase (Siberia)
- Olenya Airbase (Arctic)
- Ivanovo and Diaghilev Airbases (East of Moscow)
Each location housed long-range Russian bombers and cruise missile systems. Ukraine confirmed that 117 drones were used in total, making this one of the most extensive aerial operations since the start of the war.
“All Operatives Are Home”
Ukrainian authorities affirmed that every personnel involved in the mission had safely returned to Ukrainian territory. The SBU dismissed any reports of arrests by Russian officials as “theatrical acts” aimed at domestic propaganda.
“This was a national effort of strategic importance. Every operator returned home. The Russian state is merely staging a reaction,” said an SBU spokesperson.
Infrastructure Disruptions Add to Chaos
Coinciding with the airbase strikes, two railway bridges in Russia’s border regions with Ukraine collapsed, reportedly due to explosions. This led to significant transport disruption and at least seven fatalities. Additionally, trains were derailed in multiple regions, further compounding Russia’s logistical challenges.
Russian investigators are officially attributing the incidents to “explosives,” but no group has claimed responsibility.
Diplomatic Backdrop: Ceasefire and Peace Talks
The attack came just one day before a scheduled round of peace negotiations in Istanbul. President Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace, stating, “We never wanted this war. Since March 11, we’ve proposed a full and unconditional ceasefire.”
He blamed the Kremlin for rejecting ceasefire terms and called for increased international sanctions. “Military pressure and diplomacy are our dual instruments,” Zelensky added.
Trump Steps into Mediation Role
Amid stalled peace initiatives from Europe, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly taken up a mediation role between Kyiv and Moscow. Details remain confidential, but multiple diplomatic sources confirm backchannel communications are ongoing, aimed at de-escalating the two-year-old conflict.