Ukraine struck Russia with a massive drone attack in June 2025 which paralyzed its strategic bomber fleet. “Spider’s Web” represents one of Kyiv’s boldest operations deep inside Russian territory since the full-scale invasion began. The advanced coordinated attack represents a critical change in the conflict by damaging Moscow’s missile systems and attracting worldwide attention.
Operation Spider’s Web: Ukraine’s Largest Drone Strike Yet
Ukraine’s SBU launched a strategic drone attack on June 1, 2025 against five important Russian airbases.
Olenya
Dyagilevo
Ivanovo
Belaya
Ukrainka
Russia’s Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers which launch long-range cruise missile attacks on Ukraine operate from these bases.
Sources from Ukraine confirmed that the operation involved over 100 AI-controlled FPV drones. Kyiv’s expanding covert operations abilities were evidenced by the reported pre-placement of these drones inside Russian territory.
What Was Damaged in the Attack?
Initial reports accompanied by satellite imagery disclosed widespread destruction. The Ukrainian SBU claimed the operation:
The operation resulted in 41 aircraft being destroyed or damaged which included multiple strategic bombers.
Russia’s A-50 airborne early warning system experienced substantial damage.
The attack resulted in Russia losing $7 billion worth of military equipment.
Ukraine destroyed close to one-third of Russia’s operational strategic bombers dedicated to launching cruise missiles.
Independent analysts found visible damage on 13 bombers with fires and wreckage at several locations.
Why These Bombers Matter
Russia considers the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 aircraft essential components of its long-range bombing force. These bombers operate at great distances from Ukrainian airspace when they launch their missiles. Ukraine attacked Russian bomber bases which disrupted their strategic rear by affecting the logistics and safety of these platforms.
Key Facts About Russia’s Strategic Bombers:
Aircraft Description Importance
The Tu-95 bomber operates as a propeller-driven aircraft that delivers long-range cruise missile attacks.
Tu-22M3 Supersonic bomber Fast-strike capabilities across Ukraine
A-50 Airborne early-warning & control Coordinates air operations
Ukraine’s attacks on these platforms significantly disrupted Russia’s capacity for conducting long-range precision strikes.
Russia’s Response
The Ministry of Defense in Russia acknowledged drone strikes at military bases but minimized the extent of damage by labeling the events as “terrorist drone acts” while satellite images and local accounts revealed numerous fires and emergency responses.
The official statements which deny any breach of Russian air defenses contradict the strong evidence pointing to a serious intelligence failure and substantial penetration of their defense systems considering how comprehensive the attacks were.
How Did Ukraine Pull It Off?
The advancement of Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities shows ongoing development. Here’s how the operation likely succeeded:
AI-Guided FPV Drones: With AI technology Ukraine’s first-person view drones achieved autonomous deep-operation targeting beyond enemy defenses.
Pre-positioning: The drones that struck Russia were either smuggled into the country beforehand or assembled locally and then operated from a distance. This tactic bypasses traditional air defenses.
Cyber and Electronic Warfare: Ukrainian forces may have used jamming techniques along with decoy signals to disrupt Russian radar detection which allowed drones to pass undetected.
Intelligence Cooperation: Real-time satellite intelligence from NATO allies supported the operation to increase both the precision and effect of the strike.
Global Reaction
The strike drew mixed reactions globally:
Ukraine’s allies acknowledged the operation’s courage while labeling it a justified self-defense measure against Russia’s continuous aggression.
The Russian government denounced the attack as an aggressive escalation while promising retaliation yet there were no reports of immediate large-scale counterstrikes.
Experts in military strategy recognized the strike as a defining moment in warfare history because autonomous drones demonstrated their growing potential to break traditional air dominance.
A Strategic Turning Point?
The military operation executed in June 2025 achieved more than a battlefield success—it delivered a powerful strategic statement.
Ukraine has achieved the capability to target key military infrastructure deep within Russian territory.
Russia can no longer guarantee its supremacy in long-range aerial operations.
Russian territory now physically and visibly bears the consequences of military aggression.
The attack represents another step in Ukraine’s 2024 campaign of strategic military strikes against Russian target
A Ukrainian fighter shot down a Tu-22M3 bomber above Stavropol territory during April 2024.
Ukraine attacked the Engels and Morozovsk airbases causing damage to Su-34 fighter jets and bombers.
Russian forces experienced a rare successful drone assault at the Olenya airfield situated in the Arctic region during July 2024.
These examples illustrate Ukraine’s advanced capacity to destroy air threats before they become airborne.
What’s Next?
The strategic conversation after the June 2025 strike focuses on several critical questions.
Can Russia replace the lost bombers?
Russia finds it extremely difficult to replace its outdated strategic bomber fleet. Aircraft restoration requires millions of dollars with production schedules extending over several years.
Will Ukraine continue these deep strikes?
This operation will serve as a model for future assaults against strategic assets if it proves successful.
Can Russia improve its air defenses?
Moscow finds it concerning that drones can strike deep targets so easily. Russia might enhance its radar coverage while advancing drone-jamming technologies along with developing retaliatory cyber operations.
Is peace further away or closer?
Ukraine’s aggressive tactics boost its bargaining power but high-profile attacks risk escalating rhetoric and extending the conflict.
Final Thoughts
Ukraine accomplished a historic feat when it targeted Russian bomber bases with its June 2025 drone strike. The operation highlights Ukraine’s strong endurance and creative strategies while demonstrating its readiness to hit Russian military targets that will have the most impact.
This development demonstrates how asymmetrical warfare tactics and advanced technology can transform modern battlefields and challenge larger well-funded military forces.
The impact of this event on Russia’s strategic response and potential escalation of the conflict is yet to become clear. But one thing is clear: Ukraine now uses its airspace for strategic operations rather than just defensive measures.
