Ukraine’s Security Service has claimed responsibility for a massive drone assault that reportedly struck over 40 Russian strategic bombers, marking one of the most audacious and impactful attacks on Russia’s air forces since the onset of the conflict.
The operation, codenamed “Pavutyna” (Web), targeted key airbases deep inside Russian territory, dealing a significant blow to Moscow’s long-range aviation capabilities, reports BBC.
According to SBU sources, the meticulously planned strikes hit four major Russian airfields: Belaya in Irkutsk Oblast, Olenya in Murmansk Oblast, Diaghilevo in Ryazan Oblast, and Ivanovo in Ivanovo Oblast. The attacks damaged or destroyed critical aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 strategic bombers and at least one A-50 airborne early warning and control plane, with estimated losses exceeding $2 billion.
“Enemy strategic bombers are burning en masse in Russia,” an SBU source declared, emphasising the operation’s aim to cripple aircraft used in nightly bombing raids on Ukrainian cities.
Dramatic footage released by the SBU shows explosions and fires engulfing aircraft at Belaya airbase in Siberia, over 4,000 kilometers from Ukraine.
A voice, identified as SBU chief Lt Gen Vasyl Maliuk, can be heard in one video saying, “This is how beautiful the Belaya airfield looks now—enemy strategic aviation.”
Reports indicate that Olenya airbase, located in Russia’s Arctic Murmansk region, was also heavily targeted, with videos showing Tu-95MS bombers in flames. Russian media and regional officials, including Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev, confirmed drone attacks in both regions but claimed air defenses were operational, downplaying the extent of the damage.
The SBU’s operation reportedly involved innovative tactics, with FPV drones smuggled into Russia and launched from mobile platforms, such as trucks disguised as civilian vehicles. In one instance, a driver in Murmansk was detained, allegedly unaware that his vehicle was carrying drones. This sophisticated approach highlights Ukraine’s growing long-range strike capabilities, with some drones striking targets as far as 2,500 miles from the frontlines.
The attack coincides with a reported wave of Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine, with Ukrainian authorities stating that 472 drones and seven ballistic and cruise missiles were launched against the country on the same night, of which 385 were neutralized. This escalation underscores the intensifying tit-for-tat aerial campaigns between the two nations.
As assessments continue, Ukrainian sources express optimism that the number of confirmed aircraft hits may rise, potentially deepening the strategic impact on Russia’s air force. The operation, described as one of the SBU’s most ambitious, signals a bold escalation in Ukraine’s efforts to disrupt Russia’s military operations far beyond the frontline.
