Ukrainian military drones launched a significant attack early Sunday, targeting Russian air bases from hidden locations inside Russia. These strikes reached as far as Irkutsk, hitting Russian aircraft, including strategic bombers used for deploying cruise missiles and those integral to Russia’s nuclear capabilities.
The operation, named “Spider’s Web,” was confirmed by Ukraine’s domestic security agency, the SBU. They reported that 117 drones were deployed against four Russian bases, resulting in damage to 41 aircraft. This operation is noted as one of the largest and most intricate military actions of the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian agents cleverly transported drones in trucks disguised as cargo containers with false roofs. After placing these containers at various locations in Russia, the agents left. The roofs were then opened remotely to allow the drones to launch their attacks on Russian military assets nearby.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the operation, emphasizing its precision and focus on military targets. He stated that the planning took over a year and a half, praising the execution of every detail. He expressed that the operation was not only unique but also deserved, as it aimed to strike back at the equipment used by Russia to attack Ukraine.
This attack comes at a delicate time, as Ukraine and Russia are engaged in peace talks in Istanbul, an initiative supported by former President Donald Trump. The recent drone strikes could complicate these discussions, although Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine would continue to strive for progress toward peace.
As of now, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not publicly commented on the drone attacks. The unfolding situation raises questions about the future of peace negotiations and the ongoing conflict between the two nations.