**Ukraine Embarks on Daring Operation to Disable Russia’s Air Force**
In a bold and audacious move, Ukraine has launched a countrywide assault on Russia’s air force, crippling its capabilities and sending a powerful message to both Russia and the international community. Dubbed “Operation Spider’s Web,” this elaborate operation involved smuggling small drones into Russia and launching them towards nearby airbases.
**A Propaganda Coup**
While it is impossible to verify Ukraine’s claim of $7 billion in damage, it is clear that Operation Spider’s Web has been a spectacular propaganda coup. The operation is being compared to other notable military successes since Russia’s full-scale invasion, including the sinking of the Moskva warship and the bombing of the Kerch Bridge.
**A Masterclass in Intelligence Gathering**
Details leaked by Ukraine’s military intelligence suggest that the operation took 18 months to prepare, with scores of small drones smuggled into Russia and stored on freight trucks. The drones were launched remotely towards airbases, targeting strategic bombers capable of launching long-range strikes against Ukraine. Analysts are hailing Operation Spider’s Web as a masterclass in intelligence gathering, with defense analyst Serhii Kuzan calling it “the most elaborate achievement so far.”
**A Blow to Russia’s Air Force**
The impact of the operation is significant, with analysts suggesting that even if the bombers and command aircraft were not destroyed, the damage is enormous. Ukraine’s military blogger Oleksandr Kovalenko notes that repairing or replacing the damaged aircraft will be difficult, given that they are no longer in production. The loss of two Tu-160 supersonic bombers has been particularly keenly felt.
**A Message to the West**
Beyond the physical damage, Operation Spider’s Web sends a critical message to Ukraine’s western allies. The operation shows that Ukraine is still very much in the fight and capable of launching bold and daring operations against Russia. This message is being conveyed as Ukrainian delegates arrive in Istanbul for fresh ceasefire negotiations with Russian representatives.
**A Rebuke to Western Pessimism**
The operation is also a rebuke to Western pessimism about Ukraine’s prospects, which has been fueled by predictions that the country will soon surrender. A government official told BBC Ukrainian Service that the Americans have convinced themselves that Ukraine has already lost the war, leading to frustration among officials in Kyiv. This sentiment is echoed by Ukrainian defense journalist Illia Ponomarenko, who notes that President Volodymyr Zelensky has been trying to convince the West that Ukraine still has cards to play.
**A Show of Strength**
Operation Spider’s Web demonstrates Ukraine’s determination and capabilities, showing that it is not ready to surrender. The operation’s success will likely be used as leverage in negotiations with Russia and could have significant implications for the conflict. As Ukrainian delegates head into talks, they are carrying a message that says: “Ukraine does have some cards after all.”
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