Ukraine's "Operation Spider's Web" Wipes Out Russian Military Airplanes, Increases Tensions

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In a dramatic ramp-up of the war, Ukraine launched an extremely coordinated and deep-penetrating drone strike known as "Operation Spider's Web"—an attack which struck five major Russian airbases, striking or destroying a significant number of military planes.

❖ What Happened: Drone Swarm Struck Five Russian Airbases

On June 1, 2025, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) conducted a bold multi-drone attack on the following key Russian bases:

Olenya Airbase (Murmansk Oblast)
Dyagilevo Airbase (Ryazan Oblast)
Ivanovo Severny (Ivanovo Oblast)
Belaya Airbase (Irkutsk Oblast)
Ukrainka Airbase (Amur Oblast)

As per The Washington Post, a total of 117 drones were used, many of which were covertly launched from within Russian borders via civilian-truck-disguised cover.

❖ Ukraine Claims Major Strategic Victory

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the operation as a huge military victory, boasting that 34% of Russia's strategic cruise missile carriers had been taken out.

U.S. intelligence estimates cited by CNN put the number of destroyed Russian military aircraft at at least 10, and another 20 damaged.

The drones avoided Russian radar systems and electronic warfare defenses because they were launched from remote distances and flew low.

❖ Overnight Retaliation by Russia

Russia hit back on June 6 with one of the largest overnight attacks in months. Over 400 drones and more than 40 missiles rained down on Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other major cities.

At least three civilians were reported killed, dozens were wounded, and sweeping blackouts and infrastructure damage were reported, according to NPR.

President Vladimir Putin referred to the attacks by Ukraine as "acts of terrorism" and issued threats of "consequences beyond measure."

❖ Operation Spider's Web: Tactical Game-Changer?

Ukraine's ability to intrude deep within Russian airspace—up to 6,000 kilometers—has left military strategists shocked.

"This is a turning point," said John Herbst, a senior director at the Atlantic Council. "It's the first time in this war that Ukrainian forces have hit strategic Russian assets on such a massive scale."

The launch of small, mobile drone-launch units within Russian territories is a landmark in asymmetric warfare.

❖ International Responses

NATO issued a statement of "deep concern" about Russia's escalated response, calling on restraint on both sides.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged immediate dialogue, warning that "unchecked escalation could ignite a regional or even global crisis."
Humanitarian organizations fear further escalation will badly hinder relief efforts and displace more civilians in Ukraine.

❖ What Next?

Even as Ukraine is basking in a strategic triumph, the Kremlin's retaliation is proof of how volatile things remain. Military analysts are warning that both sides may now seek to one-up one another with even more long-range and unmanned attacks, rendering diplomatic solution more difficult to find.

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