Overview and Background

Over the weekend, Ukraine executed a significant drone operation, code-named Operation Spiderweb, targeting Russian military sites across various regions of Russia. This audacious attack involved the use of over 100 drones and has been compared to Japan's surprise assault on Pearl Harbor due to its scale and impact. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the planning for this operation took approximately one year and six months.

The operation targeted five Russian airbases located thousands of miles from Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence operatives conducted months of covert preparations within Russia, successfully concealing the drones inside trucks before launching the attack.

Details of the Attack

According to Zelensky, the strike involved 117 drones, each operated by a corresponding pilot. The Ukrainian Security Service, SBU, disclosed that the drones were concealed under cabin roofs of trucks, which opened remotely at the designated moment for launch. Footage shared on social media depicted drones emerging from these trucks and heading towards their targets, which included various strategic bombers.

Impact on Russian Military Assets

The SBU estimated that 41 aircraft were destroyed or damaged in the attack, including significant bombers such as A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160, with a total damage assessment around $7 billion. While Russian sources acknowledged some aircraft caught fire, they disputed the extent of the damage, claiming many attacks were repelled.

“Russia will likely struggle to replace the aircraft that Ukrainian forces damaged and destroyed,” stated the Institute for the Study of War.

Subsequent Developments

This operation coincided with ongoing peace talks in Turkey, where Russia presented a ceasefire memorandum with numerous demands from Ukraine, including the withdrawal from annexed regions and halting military cooperation with the West. The response from Ukrainian officials indicated a lack of progress toward a ceasefire, with Ukraine reiterating its rejection of previous demands from Moscow.

Key Findings

• Ukraine launched over 100 drones in a surprise attack on Russian military bases.
• 41 aircraft, including strategic bombers, were reportedly destroyed, valued at approximately $7 billion.
• Operation Spiderweb was planned over 18 months and executed under the radar of Russian intelligence.
• Peace talks in Turkey yielded limited results, with Ukraine rejecting key demands from Russia.
• Russian authorities have initiated searches and road checks to track down those involved in the operation.