Ukraine Targets Russian Airbases in Massive Drone Operation Spider’s Web

Ukraine Targets Russian Airbases in Massive Drone Operation Spider’s Web

The war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022. Both countries have been engaged in continuous cross-border shelling, drone strikes, and covert raids.

RMN News World Desk
June 2, 2025

Kyiv has launched a major drone attack against Russian military airbases, striking targets thousands of kilometers from the front line. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the operation as “brilliant” and “deserved,” stating it caused significant losses to Russia.

The operation, code-named “Spider’s web,” involved 117 drones and a corresponding number of operators. These strikes hit strategic cruise missile carriers stationed at air bases across several Russian regions, operating in three different time zones.

According to Zelensky, the preparation for this “absolutely unique operation” took over a year and a half, with planning, organization, and every detail perfectly executed. He expressed satisfaction that something he authorized long ago had come to fruition, depriving Russians of over forty units of strategic aviation. Zelensky also noted that the individuals who assisted Kyiv with the attack were safely withdrawn from Russian territory beforehand.

Today, a brilliant operation was carried out. 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.

In total, 117 drones were used in… pic.twitter.com/tU0SMN9jdB

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 1, 2025

In his video tweet of June 2, 2025, Zelensky wrote, “Today, a brilliant operation was carried out. 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. 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. We will continue this work.”

Earlier, on June 1, Zelensky tweeted, “Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk delivered a report regarding today’s operation. An absolutely brilliant result.”

Ukraine had received intelligence indicating that Russia was preparing for another strike shortly before carrying out this operation. Zelensky warned that Russia has been increasing the number of units used per strike each week and has also prepared Kalibr missiles launched from naval carriers.

He affirmed, “We will defend ourselves by all means available to us – to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people“. The Ukrainian strike reportedly targeted airbases in Belaya, Olenya, Ivanovo, and Dyagilevo, with the aim of destroying enemy bombers far from the front. On the same day as the drone attacks, two bridges collapsed in Russian regions bordering Ukraine, reportedly caused by “explosions,” leading to train derailments and fatalities.

President Zelensky stated that Ukraine did not want this war and had offered a ceasefire to Moscow. He mentioned that the US proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire has been on the table since March 11, but the Russians chose to continue the war despite international calls to stop the killing. Zelensky believes pressure is truly needed on Russia through sanctions, military force, and diplomacy.

The war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022. Both countries have been engaged in continuous cross-border shelling, drone strikes, and covert raids.