Ukraine Destroys Over 40 Russian Strategic Bombers in Massive Drone Strike: Operation ‘Spider’s Web’ Shocks Moscow

In a stunning escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has launched a highly coordinated and devastating drone attack deep inside Russian territory, destroying or severely damaging over 40 strategic military aircraft. The daring operation, dubbed “Operation Spider’s Web,” has sent shockwaves through Russia’s military establishment and the global security community.

Covert Operation Targets Russian Air Superiority

According to credible reports monitored by TJ News Nigeria, the audacious attack took place in the early hours of June 1, 2025. Utilizing a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Ukrainian forces struck multiple heavily guarded Russian airbases, eliminating a fleet of strategic bombers including Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and A-50 early warning aircraft.

What makes this attack particularly remarkable is the SBU’s use of sophisticated covert techniques. The drones were reportedly smuggled into Russia disguised in truck-mounted mobile cabins, allowing them to be launched from positions dangerously close to Russia’s own military installations. This strategy effectively bypassed the Kremlin’s advanced air defense systems, catching Moscow completely off guard.

A $7 Billion Blow to Russia’s Air Force

The Ukrainian government claims that the operation inflicted an estimated $7 billion worth of damage, striking at the core of Russia’s long-range strike and surveillance capabilities. If confirmed, this would represent one of the most devastating single blows to the Russian Air Force since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Independent satellite imagery and Western intelligence assessments appear to corroborate Ukraine’s figures, despite official Russian attempts to downplay the scale of the destruction. The Kremlin acknowledged the drone strikes but insisted that many of the UAVs were intercepted — a claim not supported by the scale of visual evidence emerging from the blast sites.

Political Timing Raises Eyebrows

The timing of the drone operation has raised questions globally. The attack comes just days before scheduled peace negotiations in Istanbul, with analysts speculating that Ukraine is strengthening its negotiating position by displaying the reach and precision of its military capabilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was reportedly briefed on and authorized the operation in advance, described the mission as a “game-changer” in the effort to counter Russia’s aerial dominance and war infrastructure.

Russian Military Reels from Strategic Loss

The loss of these aircraft represents a major strategic setback for Moscow. The Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers are essential to Russia’s ability to conduct long-range missile attacks, including air-launched cruise missile strikes across Ukraine. The A-50 aircraft, often dubbed “Russia’s eyes in the sky,” provide airborne radar surveillance and command support for fighter operations. With a significant portion of these assets now inoperable, Russia’s aerial strike capabilities have been critically impaired.

Military experts told TJ News Nigeria that replacing these aircraft could take years and billions of dollars, due to the complexity and cost of production — a challenge exacerbated by international sanctions and a sluggish Russian defense economy.

A Shift in Ukraine’s Strategic Posture

The success of Operation Spider’s Web signals a new chapter in Ukraine’s defense strategy. For months, Ukrainian officials have been calling for increased long-range strike capabilities. This operation shows that Ukraine has developed its own asymmetric capabilities, capable of reaching deep into enemy territory with precision and effectiveness.

It also reflects a growing trend in modern warfare, where small, autonomous drone technology can neutralize even the most fortified assets of a global military power.

Global Reactions and Implications

International reactions have been swift. NATO officials, while declining to directly comment on the specifics of the operation, reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to self-defense. Analysts warn that Russia may respond with retaliatory missile strikes or cyberattacks, further escalating tensions in the region.

Domestically, the attack has shaken public confidence in Russia’s military leadership, with prominent Kremlin-affiliated military bloggers questioning how Ukrainian forces could penetrate so deeply into Russian territory undetected.

What you should know

As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, Operation Spider’s Web marks a defining moment in the conflict. The destruction of over 40 strategic bombers inside Russian territory not only weakens Russia’s air capabilities but also shifts the psychological balance in Kyiv’s favor.

TJ News Nigeria gathered that this operation may influence not only battlefield outcomes but also diplomatic dynamics in the days ahead. With the world watching and high-stakes peace talks looming, the implications of Ukraine’s bold strike are just beginning to unfold.