**Ukraine Hits Back at Russia with Daring Drone Attacks**
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has released stunning footage of its Operation Spiderweb, which targeted Russian strategic aircraft across multiple airfields. The daring drone strikes caused an estimated $7 billion in damage and left a significant number of aircraft irreparable.
On June 1, the SBU used first-person-view (FPV) drones smuggled deep inside Russia to successfully strike 41 Russian heavy bombers at four key airfields – Olenya, Ivanovo, Dyagilevo, and Belaya. The attacks were personally overseen by President Volodymyr Zelensky and SBU Chief Vasyl Malyuk.
The strikes targeted a range of aircraft, including A-50 surveillance planes, Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160 bombers, as well as An-12 and Il-78 transport and refueling aircraft. The damaged or destroyed aircraft were used by Russian strategic aviation involved in bombing Ukrainian cities.
**Zelensky Links Drone Strikes to Russia’s Rejection of Ceasefire**
President Zelensky described the operation as “brilliant” and said that Ukraine would not have carried out its drone strikes if Russia had agreed to a ceasefire. He linked the operation to Moscow’s rejection of a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which was pushed by Kyiv during the latest round of negotiations in Istanbul on June 2.
“If there had been a ceasefire, would the operation have taken place? No,” Zelensky said. The Ukrainian president has consistently pushed for a Western-backed ceasefire as an initial step toward a broader peace agreement.
**Implications and Analysis**
The drone strikes demonstrate Ukraine’s growing capabilities in using technology to counter Russia’s military might. The operation also highlights the escalating nature of the conflict, with both sides engaging in increasingly bold and destructive attacks.
The $7 billion damage caused by the drone strikes is a significant blow to Russia’s military capabilities, particularly its strategic aviation. The loss of aircraft and airfields used for bombing Ukrainian cities will likely have long-term implications for Russia’s war efforts.
In response to the operation, we asked our expert analyst:
“The SBU’s Operation Spiderweb showcases Ukraine’s resilience and creative use of technology in the face of Russian aggression,” said our expert. “The strikes demonstrate a willingness by Kyiv to take bold action against Moscow’s military capabilities, even if it means accepting significant risks.”
“The $7 billion damage caused by the drone strikes will likely have long-term implications for Russia’s war efforts, particularly its strategic aviation,” added our analyst. “However, it remains to be seen how Moscow will respond to this daring attack, and what further consequences it may unleash upon Ukraine.”
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