**Russian Governor Praises Citizens for Attacking Ukrainian Drones with Stones**
In a surprising move, the governor of Russia’s Irkutsk Oblast has praised residents who tried to stop Ukrainian drones by throwing stones at them during a recent mass drone strike on Russian air bases. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed responsibility for the coordinated strike, which it says hit 41 Russian military aircraft across four strategic airfields.
According to reports, videos showed civilians in Irkutsk hurling rocks at first-person-view (FPV) drones flying out of trucks. These makeshift launch systems were used by Ukrainian intelligence operatives in a bold and destructive operation called “Spiderweb”. The attack involved smuggling drones hidden in truck-mounted wooden cabins deep into Russia, which were then released remotely to swarm high-value bombers.
The SBU later claimed that the strike caused $7 billion in damage and disabled 34% of Russia’s cruise missile carrier fleet. The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged the attack, calling it a “terrorist act”, and confirmed that aircraft caught fire at multiple air bases, including Irkutsk and Murmansk.
**A New Form of Resistance?**
The governor’s praise for residents who tried to stop the drones by throwing stones has raised questions about whether this could become a new form of resistance against Ukrainian attacks. While the effectiveness of such actions is unclear, it suggests that some Russians are taking matters into their own hands in response to the ongoing conflict.
This development comes as Russia continues to face military challenges on multiple fronts, including Ukraine and other parts of its territory. The ability of Ukrainian forces to launch coordinated attacks deep inside Russian territory has exposed vulnerabilities in Moscow’s defenses and highlighted the need for more effective countermeasures.
**The Significance of the Attack**
The “Spiderweb” operation demonstrates the sophistication and creativity of Ukrainian intelligence operatives. By using makeshift launch systems and exploiting weaknesses in Russian air defense systems, they were able to achieve significant damage and disruption to Russia’s military capabilities.
This attack also underscores the ongoing efforts by Ukraine to push back against Russian aggression and challenge Moscow’s control over its territory. As the conflict continues, it is likely that both sides will seek new ways to counter each other’s tactics and gain an advantage on the battlefield.
**The Future of Resistance**
As Russia weighs whether to reward residents who tried to stop Ukrainian drones by throwing stones, it remains to be seen how this development will unfold. Will such actions become a regular feature of resistance against Ukrainian attacks? Or are they simply isolated incidents in response to specific events?
One thing is certain: the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia will continue to evolve and adapt as both sides seek new ways to outmaneuver each other.
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