Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russian airbases in the early hours of June 1, 2025, targeting over 40 strategic bombers across five regions—Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur—according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Named “Operation Spider’s Web,” the 18-month planned offensive, overseen by President Volodymyr Zelensky, deployed FPV drones hidden in wooden cabins on trucks, with roofs remotely opened to strike nearby airfields. The attacks, causing over $2 billion in estimated damage, hit TU-95, TU-22M3 bombers, and an A-50 early warning aircraft. Russia’s Ministry of Defense acknowledged the strikes, labeled as “terrorist attacks,” but claimed defenses repelled them, with fires extinguished. The operation, timed before ceasefire talks in Istanbul on June 2, underscores Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory.
The strikes targeted critical Russian military assets, exposing defense vulnerabilities.
- Targets: Over 40 bombers across five regions.
- Method: Drones launched from trucks with mobile cabins.
- Damage: Estimated at $2 billion.
Concurrently, Russia launched 472 drones and seven missiles against Ukraine, marking one of its largest aerial assaults.
Details of Operation Spider’s Web
Operation Spider’s Web, planned over 18 months, involved smuggling FPV drones and wooden cabins into Russia. The SBU positioned these cabins on trucks, concealing drones under remotely operated roofs. At the time of the attack, the roofs opened, allowing drones to strike airbases like Belaya in Irkutsk. Videos show drones emerging from a vehicle and hitting targets with precision.
The operation targeted TU-95 “Bear” bombers, capable of carrying eight cruise missiles, and TU-22M3 supersonic bombers used for long-range strikes. The destruction of an A-50, a key early warning aircraft, disrupts Russia’s ability to coordinate air operations.
Strategic targets hit
The attacked airbases span vast regions, from Murmansk in the Arctic to Irkutsk in Siberia, highlighting the operation’s reach. Olenya near Murmansk and Belaya in Irkutsk were confirmed targets, with footage showing explosions and smoke.
Russian air defenses, including S-300 and S-400 systems, failed to counter the short-range FPV drones launched near the bases. The proximity of the launches left little time to move aircraft to hardened shelters, exposing a gap in Russia’s protection.
- Airbases hit: Olenya (Murmansk), Belaya (Irkutsk), others.
- Aircraft damaged: TU-95, TU-22M3, A-50.
- Defense failure: Ineffective against close-range drones.
Russia’s response
Russia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the attacks, describing them as “terrorist” acts. It reported that drones were launched from areas near the airfields, causing fires in some equipment, which were extinguished. A truck driver suspected of involvement was detained for questioning, according to state media Tass.
Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev stated that the launch site in Sredniy, Siberia, was secured, with no threat to civilians. Russian media emphasized the activation of air defenses, downplaying the extent of the damage.
Context of Istanbul talks
The drone strikes preceded a second round of Ukraine-Russia ceasefire talks scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul, part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts. Ukraine demands a complete ceasefire, prisoner releases, and the return of abducted children, while Russia rejects unconditional terms.
The first talks on May 16 yielded only a prisoner exchange. Russia’s simultaneous launch of 472 drones and seven missiles against Ukraine, one of its largest attacks, suggests reluctance for peace, according to Kyiv officials.
- Talks: June 2, Istanbul.
- Ukraine’s demands: Full ceasefire, prisoner exchange.
- Russia’s stance: Rejects unconditional ceasefire.
Related incidents
In the past 24 hours, Russia reported two bridge collapses. In Bryansk, a road bridge failure killed seven when trucks fell onto a passenger train. In Kursk, a railway bridge collapsed during a freight train’s passage, injuring the driver. Russian authorities attributed both to sabotage.
Ukraine’s military intelligence reported an explosive derailing a Russian fuel train near Melitopol, without claiming responsibility. Ukraine’s land forces commander, Major-General Mkyhailo Drapatyi, resigned after a Russian missile strike killed 12 soldiers at a training facility.
BREAKING: Ukraine appears to have hit much of Russia’s strategic bombing fleet today in one of the most audacious and successful operations of the entire war. Live footage of the apparent drone attacks is being beamed live back to Ukraine. Slava Ukraini! pic.twitter.com/1GRdHA4CPT
— Business Ukraine mag (@Biz_Ukraine_Mag) June 1, 2025
Impact on Russian capabilities
The TU-95 bombers, central to Russia’s Kh-101 cruise missile attacks since 2022, carry eight missiles with 400 kg warheads, operating from deep within Russian territory. The A-50’s loss hampers Russia’s aerial coordination, critical for targeting enemy aircraft.
While some aircraft may be repairable, the damage sidelines them for months, weakening Russia’s offensive capacity. The strikes highlight the vulnerability of Russia’s military assets far from the front lines.
Operation planning
The SBU orchestrated the operation, smuggling drones and cabins into Russia over months. Trucks positioned near airbases enabled rapid drone launches, bypassing Russian radar. The use of FPV drones ensured precision, with minimal warning to defenses.
Zelensky directly oversaw the mission, with chief of staff Andriy Yermak posting a spider web emoji on social media, referencing the operation’s codename. The planning reflects Ukraine’s growing tactical sophistication.
- Planning duration: 18 months, led by SBU.
- Oversight: President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Execution: FPV drones from truck-mounted cabins.
International reactions
The attacks, striking distant bases like Murmansk and Irkutsk, drew attention for their scale and coordination. Analysts noted Ukraine’s ability to execute complex operations deep in Russia, challenging Moscow’s air dominance. Videos of explosions at airbases spread widely, bolstering Ukraine’s narrative of resilience.
Russia minimized the damage, focusing on its defensive response. The timing, before U.S.-mediated talks, underscores both sides’ efforts to strengthen their positions, with Ukraine seeking more aid and Russia aiming for sanctions relief.
Russia’s counterattacks
On the same night, Russia launched 472 drones and seven missiles against Ukraine, the largest single-night aerial assault recorded. Ukraine neutralized 385 targets, but damage to civilian and military infrastructure was reported. The scale suggests Russia’s intent to pressure Ukraine before the Istanbul talks.
Kyiv’s air defenses remain active, though the volume of attacks strains resources. The simultaneous escalation by both sides highlights the ongoing intensity of the conflict.
- Russian assault: 472 drones, seven missiles.
- Ukrainian defense: 385 targets neutralized.
- Targets hit: Civilian and military sites.
