Ukraine claims to have destroyed 40 Russian military aircraft in a daring drone operation that infiltrated deep into Russian territory, just as both sides prepare for peace talks amid escalating attacks.
At a Glance
- Ukraine launched “Operation Spider’s Web,” smuggling drones into Russia via truck containers to attack military airfields across the country
- The attack reportedly destroyed over 40 Russian aircraft including nuclear-capable bombers, causing an estimated $2 billion in damage
- Russia retaliated with its largest drone assault of the war, launching 472 drones at Ukraine, killing at least 12 Ukrainian service members
- Peace talks are scheduled in Turkey, with Ukraine demanding a ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and return of abducted children
- Former President Trump criticized both Putin and Zelensky, claiming the war wouldn’t have happened under his leadership
Ukraine’s Bold Strike on Russian Territory
Ukrainian security services claim to have carried out an unprecedented drone assault on multiple Russian airbases, targeting strategic bombers at facilities up to 4,300 kilometers from Ukraine’s borders. The operation, named “Spider’s Web,” was reportedly in planning for over a year and a half under President Volodymyr Zelensky’s direct supervision. According to Ukrainian officials, the attack successfully hit more than 40 Russian military aircraft, including Tu-95, Tu-22M3 strategic bombers and A-50 early warning aircraft at bases in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions.
Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff reported that the operation caused damage exceeding $2 billion, with claims that 34% of Russia’s fleet of air missile carriers were destroyed. The assault involved smuggling first-person view (FPV) drones into Russia via truck containers and using mobile wooden kit houses to launch them. Each drone reportedly cost around $4,000, representing an extremely cost-effective strategy against Russia’s expensive military hardware.
Explosions have been reported near the airfield in Lipetsk. Additionally, attacks on air bases have been reported in Borisoglebsk and Ryazan.
In Lipetsk, multiple explosions have been reported in the vicinity of the airfield. Reports also indicate that air bases in… pic.twitter.com/vDIFWWV9cV
— OSINT WWIII (@OsintWWIII) June 1, 2025
Russian Response and Escalation
Russia’s Defense Ministry acknowledged the drone attacks but downplayed their impact, stating that fires were extinguished with no casualties reported. However, aviation experts have characterized the assault as a significant setback for Russia’s strategic bomber fleet. In apparent retaliation, Russia launched its largest drone assault of the war, deploying 472 drones and several missiles against Ukrainian targets, resulting in at least 12 Ukrainian service members killed and over 60 injured.
“SBU drones have hit more than 40 aircraft, including A-50, Tu-95 and Tu-22 M3, causing damage of over $2 billion”, said Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff.
The massive Ukrainian operation demonstrated the country’s growing technological capabilities in asymmetric warfare. Retired Major-General Gus McLachlan noted the innovative approach, saying: “Their ability to find innovative ways and adapt these new technologies at very low cost is extraordinary.” President Zelensky emphasized that the operation was conducted independently by Ukraine without external assistance, declaring: “Russia has had very tangible losses, and justifiably so.”
🇷🇺 Russian Nuclear Triad Is Cracking. Red Lines Crossed
🛑Five strategic aviation airbases have been struck: Belaya, Dyagilevo, Olenya, and Ivanovo.
🛑Among the destroyed or damaged aircraft are Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 strategic bombers, as well as an A-50 AWACS plane. Estimates… pic.twitter.com/gBVf6XtnCp— Conflict Capital (@Conflictal) June 1, 2025
Peace Talks Amid Escalation
The dramatic escalation comes as both sides prepare for peace talks in Turkey. Ukraine and Russia have acknowledged discussions regarding a potential peace memorandum, though prospects appear fragile amid the intensifying conflict. President Zelensky has outlined Ukraine’s demands for the negotiations, including a full ceasefire, release of prisoners, and return of abducted children. Meanwhile, Russia accused Ukraine of deliberately destabilizing the situation ahead of the talks.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the conflict, criticizing both Putin and Zelensky while suggesting the war would not have occurred under his administration. Trump wrote that Putin has “gone absolutely CRAZY” and is “needlessly killing a lot of people,” while also claiming that Putin ultimately wants to control all of Ukraine. The former president additionally criticized Zelensky’s leadership and former President Biden for what he characterized as escalating the conflict through ineffective policies.
