Ukraine’s Spiderweb Damages Dozens of Russian Aircraft

On June 1, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) launched Operation Spiderweb, a large-scale drone assault targeting multiple Russian air bases deep within Russian territory. The operation damaged or destroyed up to 41 Russian military aircraft, including strategic bombers like Tu-95s and Tu-22s, as well as at least one A-50 radar plane—representing as much as 34% of Russia’s missile carrier fleet. Over 100 drones were smuggled and deployed across Russia, with independent satellite and SAR imagery confirming extensive damage, particularly at the Belaya air base. While Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed to have repelled some attacks, these assertions remain unverified. The operation has been praised by NATO officials and Western leaders, including Denmark’s Prime Minister, for its effectiveness and demonstration of Ukraine’s advancing drone and long-range strike capabilities. This marks a significant blow to Russia’s aerial operations and a notable shift in the ongoing conflict.