Ukraine has launched a major drone strike deep into Russian territory, reportedly destroying over 40 Russian warplanes, marking its longest-range operation since the war began. The attack, named ‘Operation Spider’s Web,’ was coordinated and overseen by President Volodymyr Zelensky, utilizing FPV drones hidden inside wooden cabins on trucks. Russia condemned the strike as a ‘terrorist act,’ but acknowledged the damage, with some aircraft catching fire. The attack occurred just before planned peace talks between Ukraine and Russia were set to begin in Istanbul, which are backed by President Donald Trump. The White House confirmed that the Trump administration was not informed about the attack in advance.
According to U.S. officials, the Pentagon has yet to confirm the full scale of the damage, with some suggesting the number of Russian bombers destroyed is likely between 11 and 15. While the SBU claimed 34% of Russia’s strategic bombers were hit, estimating the damage at $7 billion, other Ukrainian experts have given a lower estimate of around $2 billion. The attack’s timing coincides with the potential start of peace talks, with Ukraine demanding a full ceasefire, the return of captured prisoners, and the return of children taken to Russia. Russia has not yet agreed to these terms.
The sophistication of the raid, involving drones prepositioned in Russia and then deployed by trucks, has left U.S. officials uncertain whether the drones were piloted or autonomous. Military experts suggest the strike may have damaged Russia’s ability to launch long-range missile attacks, as the targeted bombers include models previously used in strikes on Ukraine. Additionally, Ukraine claims to have damaged a Russian A-50 radar aircraft, used for directing air power.
The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s additional request for comment, while the Pentagon is still assessing the situation. Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry has confirmed that airfields in five regions were attacked: Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur. Although Russian officials said their forces repelled the attack, they admitted that several aircraft caught fire. Some suspects have been arrested, but the full extent of the damage remains unclear.
This development adds to the complexities of the ongoing conflict, with both sides continuing to maneuver for strategic advantage. As the situation unfolds, the international community and key U.S. officials will be closely monitoring the outcomes of these developments, particularly given their potential impact on the broader geopolitical landscape and possible financial repercussions.