Ukraine Destroys Over 40 Russian Strategic Bombers in Coordinated Drone Attacks

Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, launched on June 1, was a highly audacious and meticulously planned drone attack that destroyed or disabled over 40 of Russia’s long-range strategic bombers across multiple airbases deep inside Russian territory. The operation involved smuggling drone carriers disguised as cargo containers into Russia, where they released swarms of drones to strike critical military targets, catching Russian air defenses completely off guard and highlighting vulnerabilities in Russia’s nuclear preparedness. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the operation as a brilliant military feat aimed solely at military targets, while Russian commentators condemned it as a humiliating failure and vowed retaliation. The attack drew praise from U.S. President Donald Trump, who called it strong and "badass," but expressed concern it might hinder diplomatic ceasefire efforts. Despite perceptions in the West that the strikes might strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position, analysts like Tatiana Stanovaya argue that the operation will likely harden Russian President Vladimir Putin’s resolve to continue the war and adopt a more hardline stance rather than prompt negotiation or retreat. Overall, Operation Spiderweb underscored Ukraine’s ingenuity and Russia’s strategic vulnerabilities, while raising questions about the future trajectory of the conflict.