Ukraine Drone Strike Hits Deep Inside Russia, Damages Strategic Bombers
- Paul Francis
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
Ukraine has carried out a far-reaching and highly coordinated drone strike deep within Russian territory, targeting five key airbases and reportedly damaging or destroying dozens of military aircraft. The attack, codenamed Operation Spiderweb, marks one of the most ambitious and technologically advanced operations of the war to date.
Wave of Drones Strikes Multiple Time Zones
Launched on 1 June, the Ukrainian assault struck airbases across five time zones, including locations as far east as Siberia and the Arctic. The bases identified include Belaya, Dyagilevo, Ivanovo Severny, Olenya, and Ukrainka. These facilities are home to Russia’s long-range bomber fleet, including the Tu-95 and Tu-22M aircraft, which have been used extensively to carry out missile attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
According to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), 117 drones were deployed in the attack, many of which were launched from within Russian territory using improvised launch stations hidden in commercial shipping containers. The drones were reportedly equipped with explosive payloads and sophisticated artificial intelligence navigation systems, enabling them to evade radar, electronic jamming, and conventional air defences.
Satellite images released in the aftermath of the strike appear to confirm significant damage to aircraft and facilities at multiple airfields. Independent analysis of the images suggests at least ten strategic aircraft have been destroyed, while dozens more were damaged. Ukraine claims that 41 aircraft were affected in total. These claims have not been independently verified, although U.S. officials have confirmed a major disruption to Russian air power.
How the Operation Was Carried Out
Ukrainian officials have not disclosed the full technical details of the operation. However, sources within Western intelligence suggest that many of the drones were concealed within camouflaged containers planted inside Russian territory weeks or even months prior to the attack. These mobile launch platforms were likely activated remotely or via pre-programmed timers.
Each drone was fitted with an artificial intelligence guidance system capable of processing terrain data and avoiding obstacles or interception. By flying at low altitude and dispersing over a wide area, the drones successfully penetrated the layered Russian air defences which are primarily oriented against traditional missile or aircraft threats.
The strategic intent was to undermine Russia’s ability to launch aerial missile attacks from deep within its own borders and to demonstrate that no target is beyond reach. The operation also served a psychological purpose, reminding the Kremlin and the Russian public that the interior of the country is no longer immune to Ukrainian action.
Russian Retaliation Begins
In response, Russia has launched a series of retaliatory drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro. These attacks have hit power infrastructure and civilian areas, resulting in casualties and renewed blackouts in several regions. The Russian Defence Ministry has framed these strikes as direct retribution for what it calls a “terrorist act” carried out by Ukrainian intelligence services.
In addition, Russian domestic security forces, including the FSB, have begun sweeping internal crackdowns, reportedly detaining dozens of individuals suspected of collaborating with Ukrainian operatives or harbouring contraband. There are also unconfirmed reports of new security protocols being enacted near sensitive military sites, including additional surveillance of cargo transit routes.
What Might Happen Next
While immediate military retaliation is already underway, analysts believe Russia is likely to respond with a multi-pronged strategy in the coming weeks. This could include enhanced electronic warfare capabilities to counter Ukraine’s AI-guided drones, the rapid deployment of additional air defence systems around key assets, and the acceleration of Russia’s own drone warfare programmes.
There are concerns that Moscow may also escalate its campaign against Ukrainian territory more broadly, potentially expanding its focus beyond military targets to include deeper civilian or economic infrastructure. Russian officials have also raised the spectre of increasing troop mobilisation or authorising additional military operations in contested regions.
From a diplomatic standpoint, Russia is expected to amplify accusations against the West, particularly the United States and NATO allies, for what it alleges is Western support for these advanced drone systems. Although there is no confirmed link between this operation and any specific Western supplier, such accusations could fuel further geopolitical tension and increase calls within Russia for a more hardline war policy.
Despite the scale of the retaliation, many observers see Operation Spiderweb as a watershed moment in modern asymmetric warfare. The strike not only disrupted a key element of Russia’s strategic air campaign but also highlighted the evolving nature of drone warfare in the twenty-first century, where inexpensive, intelligent systems can deliver results once thought to require full-scale invasions.
As the war grinds on, Ukraine’s ability to innovate and strike beyond the front lines may prove as strategically significant as any single battlefield gain.
