**Russia’s Strategic Bombers Targeted in Major Drone Strike**
In a bold move, Ukraine has dealt a significant blow to Russia’s military infrastructure with a series of drone strikes that destroyed dozens of Russian strategic bombers. The attacks, part of Operation Spiderweb, were carried out on June 1 using first-person-view (FPV) drones smuggled into Russia and hidden in trucks.
The strikes targeted four major airfields used by Russia’s long-range aviation fleet, which are responsible for regular missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), 41 aircraft were hit, including heavy bombers and rare A-50 spy planes. The damage is estimated at $7 billion, with many of the bombers destroyed beyond repair.
The operation was personally overseen by President Volodymyr Zelensky and SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk. On June 4, the SBU released high-resolution footage of the strikes, showcasing the precision and scale of the operation.
**Putin’s Silence Speaks Volumes**
Despite the significance of the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin did not mention Ukraine’s drone strikes during a televised cabinet meeting on June 4. Instead, he focused on other incidents, including a railway bridge bombing in the Bryansk region that he blamed on Ukraine.
This silence is notable, as it suggests that Russia is trying to downplay the scale of its losses. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the incident, stating that Putin had been informed and that Russia’s Investigative Committee had launched an investigation.
**Russia’s Attempt to Conceal Losses**
Sources close to the SBU have revealed that Russian forces are attempting to conceal the true extent of their losses by replacing damaged aircraft with intact ones. This tactic has been observed by OSINT analysts, who have noted changes in satellite images showing burned-out bombers being replaced with undamaged planes.
This attempt to obscure the truth highlights the significance of Ukraine’s victory and Russia’s desperation to hide its weaknesses. As the war between the two countries continues, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the dynamics of the conflict.
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