Ukrainian forces have carried out a significant operation targeting over 40 Russian bomber aircraft at various bases deep inside Russia. This bold move is seen as one of the most daring actions by Ukraine since the start of the conflict more than three years ago. Sources indicate that the operation involved drones that were smuggled into Russia and launched from trucks.
The strikes aimed at degrading Russia’s military capabilities to launch missile attacks against Ukraine. Videos shared by Ukraine’s SBU Security Service show Russian bombers engulfed in flames, highlighting the operation’s impact. A security source stated, "Enemy strategic bombers are massively burning in Russia – this is the result of a special SBU operation."
This operation, codenamed "web," demonstrates how technology can change warfare. The Ukrainian operatives smuggled first-person view (FPV) drones into Russia, hidden inside wooden containers resembling garden offices. Once in place, the containers were opened remotely, allowing the drones to take off and strike their targets.
Planning for this mission took about a year and a half and was overseen by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Reports suggest that the operatives involved have long since returned to Ukraine, and any detentions by Russian authorities may be merely for show.
According to sources, the drones targeted aircraft that have been bombing Ukrainian cities nightly. The operation reportedly inflicted over $2 billion in damage to the Russian air force, with the total number of damaged aircraft reaching 41, including heavy bombers like the A-50, Tu-95, and Tu-22 M3.
The airbases targeted included Diagilevo, Olenya, Ivanovo, and Belaya, the latter being more than 2,500 miles from Ukraine’s border. This operation not only showcases Ukraine’s capabilities but also exposes vulnerabilities in Russia’s military defenses. As the situation unfolds, there are hopes that the number of damaged aircraft could rise even further.