Ukraine War: Russia Missile Carrier Losses – 34% Destroyed
Ukraine Drone Attack on Russian Airbases Cripples Air Strike Capabilities
Updated June 01, 2025
A massive drone attack, reportedly orchestrated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), severely damaged Russia’s long-range air strike capabilities on June 1. The operation,dubbed “Spider Web,” is estimated to have caused $7 billion in destruction and disabled 34% of Russia’s cruise missile bombers.
The SBU targeted four key russian airbases in Irkutsk,Murmansk,Ryazan,and Ivanovo oblasts,hitting over 40 aircraft. among the damaged planes were the A-50 surveillance aircraft and Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers, frequently used in strikes against Ukrainian cities. The drone attack plan took more than 18 months to develop, involving the covert transport of first-person-view (FPV) drones deep into Russian territory, according to the SBU.
An SBU source told The Kyiv Independent that the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk, over 4,000 kilometers from Ukraine, was a primary target, showcasing the operation’s unprecedented reach. The Soviet-era Tu-95 bombers,initially designed to carry nuclear weapons,have been adapted to launch cruise missiles like the Kh-101 and Kh-102,with each aircraft capable of carrying up to 16 missiles.
“And you thought Ukraine was easy? Ukraine is remarkable. Ukraine is unique. All the steamrollers of history have rolled over it. It has withstood every kind of trial. It is tempered by the highest degree. In today’s world, it’s value is beyond measure.”
The SBU vowed to continue pushing back russian forces by any means, stating, “We will strike them (Russia) at sea, in the air, and on the ground.And if needed, we’ll get them from underground too.”
This drone strike follows Russia’s escalation of attacks, including a massive drone offensive on May 26 involving 355 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys.Ukraine viewed this assault as an attempt to gain leverage amid US-backed ceasefire talks. Further details about the June 1 operation will be released by the SBU in due course.
What’s next
The SBU plans to release more information about the operation,as Ukraine continues to defend against Russian aggression and protect its national security.