Ukraine launched a major drone attack called Operation ‘Spider’s Web’ that hit 41 Russian aircraft. The targets included important military planes like Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers, as well as A-50 radar planes. Ukraine says the attack caused heavy damage and destroyed about 34% of Russia’s strategic bombers that carry cruise missiles. They estimate the damage to be worth around $7 billion. However, no independent group has confirmed these numbers yet.

Russia described the strikes as a “terror attack.” They said in a statement, “All terror attacks on military airfields in the Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur Regions were repelled.” Russia claims the drone attacks were launched from areas close to their military airfields in Murmansk and Irkutsk regions, where some planes caught fire, but the fires were later put out.

The operation was not quick. Ukraine’s security service said it took over 18 months of detailed planning to carry out the attack. President Zelenskyy confirmed this, saying, “The preparation took over a year and a half. What’s most interesting is that the ‘office’ of our operation on Russian territory was located directly next to FSB headquarters in one of their regions.”

President Zelenskyy shared that a total of 117 drones were involved in the operation. “In total, 117 drones were used in the operation, with a corresponding number of drone operators involved. 34% of the strategic cruise missile carriers stationed at air bases were hit,” he said.

According to Ukraine’s security source, the drones were secretly brought into Russia hidden inside wooden boxes on trucks. Russia’s defense ministry agreed that the drones were launched from very close to the airbases, not from Ukraine itself.

After the attack, Zelenskyy called for a “full and unconditional ceasefire.” He said, “We continue to propose a full and unconditional ceasefire, along with all rational and dignified steps that could lead to a lasting and reliable peace. The Ukrainian proposal we presented to the Russians is logical and realistic.” He added that Ukraine never wanted war and blamed Russia for continuing the conflict despite worldwide calls for peace.

To push Russia to stop its attacks, Ukraine is asking the international community to impose more sanctions. Zelenskyy said, “Pressure is truly needed, pressure on Russia that should bring it back to reality. Pressure through sanctions. Pressure from our forces. Pressure through diplomacy. All of it must work together.”

Zelenskyy described the drone strike as Ukraine’s longest mission since the war began. The drones flew thousands of kilometers to reach their targets. Two major bases hit were Olenya, nearly 1,900 kilometers away in the Russian Arctic, and Belaya, about 4,300 kilometers away in eastern Siberia. Russia said it stopped further drone attacks in the Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions.

Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine will continue similar operations. The attack caused strong reactions in Russia. Some Russian military bloggers called it a “black day for aviation,” and the pro-Russian Rybar channel called it a “very heavy blow,” showing weak Russian intelligence. For Ukraine, this operation is important not only for its damage but also as a symbol of strength. Former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko said the attacks give Ukraine a powerful advantage for upcoming peace talks in Istanbul.

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