
Ukraine Executes Largest Long-Range Drone Attack on Russia
Ukraine Targets Russia :
Ukraine has claimed responsibility for its most extensive long-range assault against Russia since the war began, targeting four military airbases and damaging or destroying dozens of aircraft. The operation, named “Spider’s Web,” involved 117 drones and struck approximately 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers.
Ukraine Targets Russia By “Spider’s Web” Operation
President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that the daring operation was the result of 18 months of meticulous planning by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU). According to SBU sources, the attack involved drones that were secretly transported into Russia and concealed in wooden mobile cabins with remotely operated roofs, mounted on trucks.
Each of the 117 drones had its own pilot, and the entire operation was controlled from a base located near an FSB office within Russian territory. President Zelensky praised the effort, calling the outcome “absolutely brilliant” and confirmed that all operatives involved were safely evacuated from Russia before the attack.
Airbases Targeted and Estimated Damage
The SBU reported that four major Russian airbases were hit:
- Belaya Airbase, Irkutsk region (Siberia)
- Olenya Airbase, Murmansk region (northwest Russia)
- Dyagilevo Airbase, Ryazan region
- Ivanovo Airbase, Ivanovo region
The strike resulted in damage or destruction to several aircraft, including strategic nuclear-capable bombers such as the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, as well as A-50 early warning planes. Ukrainian officials estimate the total damage to Russia’s strategic aviation at roughly $7 billion (£5 billion). However, the KhabriLal Digital has not independently verified these claims.
Russia Responds, Confirms Multi-Regional Attacks
Russia acknowledged attacks in five of its regions, labeling them as “terrorist acts.” The Russian defense ministry stated that while several aircraft caught fire in Murmansk and Irkutsk, all blazes were extinguished without casualties. It also reported that air defense systems repelled drone strikes on airbases in the Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions. Several individuals suspected of involvement in the attacks have reportedly been detained. Footage and reports from Russian media suggested drones were launched from trucks, including a Kamaz near a petrol station.
Ukraine Targets Russia : Ukrainian Drone and Missile Defenses Face Russian Onslaught
While Ukraine carried out its offensive, it was simultaneously targeted by a massive Russian drone and missile barrage over the weekend. Ukrainian officials reported 472 drones and seven ballistic/cruise missiles were launched, marking one of Russia’s largest aerial attacks to date. Ukraine claims to have neutralized 385 aerial threats.
In Kharkiv, a strike injured at least six people, including a seven-year-old child.
Sabotage and Internal Russian Security Concerns After Ukraine Targets Russia
Russian state media claimed that its security services prevented a sabotage attempt on a railway in the Primorye region. Authorities allege the incident involved two individuals acting under Ukrainian orders.
Peace Talks Resume Amid Escalation
Despite escalating violence, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators are set to meet in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday for a second round of peace talks. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 13:00 local time (10:00 GMT) at the Ciragan Palace. However, expectations remain low due to the significant divide between both sides on resolving the conflict.
Ukraine Targets Russia : Ukrainian Training Base Struck, Leading to Resignation
Separately, a Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian training center killed 12 Ukrainian soldiers and injured more than 60. In the aftermath of the incident, Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, commander of Ukraine’s land forces, tendered his resignation, stating that he felt personally responsible for the tragedy.