NuzTube INDIA
In a move being described as one for the “history books” by President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine launched a sophisticated covert drone operation on the eve of peace talks with Russia. The unprecedented mission, codenamed “Spider’s Web,” resulted in severe damage to over 40 Russian military aircraft, including strategic bombers, with estimated losses totaling $7 billion, according to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).
The operation’s daring execution and unexpected success have sent shockwaves through global military observers, not only for its impact but for the innovative, low-cost strategy employed.
An Operation Like No Other
The “Spider’s Web” mission centered on a fleet of 117 first-person view (FPV) drones, each costing approximately $1,200, making them both affordable and expendable. These drones were smuggled deep into Russian territory, hidden inside wooden containers loaded onto semi-trailer trucks. The drivers of the trucks were reportedly unaware of their cargo’s purpose or destination.
Once the trucks reached proximity to key Russian military airfields, a remote-controlled mechanism opened the containers, allowing the drones to autonomously take off and carry out their attacks.
Devastating Impact on Russian Forces
The attack inflicted significant losses on Russia’s fleet of strategic bombers, including A-50 airborne early warning aircraft, Tupolev Tu-95, and Tu-22M supersonic bombers—all of which play critical roles in missile launches against Ukraine.
One of the most notable targets was the Belaya Air Base in Irkutsk, located in Siberia, over 4,000 kilometers from Ukrainian territory. This strike was particularly remarkable because Ukraine’s conventional drones and missiles lack the range to reach that far. The success of this mission was made possible by positioning drones much closer to their targets through covert means.
The SBU estimated that 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers were disabled or destroyed during the strikes.
Operation Planned Within Russia, Near FSB Office
President Zelensky revealed that the high-stakes operation had been in planning for over 18 months. Even more shockingly, it was directed from an office adjacent to one belonging to Russia’s security service, the FSB, though he declined to specify the location.
The mission included the smuggling and internal coordination of FPV drones, strategically placed across various points in Russia. All Ukrainian operatives involved were evacuated from Russian territory shortly before the attack.
Russia’s Acknowledgement and Response
In a rare acknowledgment, Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed on Telegram that Ukrainian drones had targeted airbases in five regions across Russia. While most air assaults were intercepted, successful strikes were recorded in Murmansk (far north) and Irkutsk (Siberia).
According to the Russian statement, the FPV drones were launched from within proximity to airfields, causing multiple aircraft to catch fire. The ministry claimed that all fires were extinguished without casualties, and several individuals involved in facilitating the attacks had been detained.
Strategic Timing: Before Peace Talks and Drone Barrage
The “Spider’s Web” operation was strategically timed, launching just a day before peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul. The attack coincided with Russia’s offensive, which involved the launch of 472 drones against Ukrainian territory—the largest such barrage to date.
A Tactical Turning Point?
Military analysts suggest that this operation could significantly reduce Russia’s capability to conduct long-range missile barrages, especially given the types of aircraft destroyed. The use of low-cost, high-impact tactics demonstrates a tactical evolution in modern warfare, especially in asymmetrical conflict zones.
The Ukrainian government has not disclosed whether more such operations are in the pipeline, but this audacious act of ingenuity and stealth has undoubtedly changed the tone of Ukraine’s defense posture—and sent a powerful message to Moscow.
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