On June 1, 2025, Ukraine executed a massive drone operation, codenamed Spider’s Web, striking Russian airbases thousands of kilometres from the front line, damaging over 40 aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers.
President Volodymyr Zelensky described the drone attack by Ukraine as “brilliant,” revealing that it involved 117 drones and took 18 months of planning.
Today, a brilliant operation was carried out — on enemy territory, targeting only military objectives, specifically the equipment used to strike Ukraine. Russia suffered significant losses — entirely justified and deserved.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 1, 2025Zelensky detailed the Spider’s Web operation on X, stating it targeted strategic cruise missile carriers at airbases in Belaya, Olenya, Ivanovo, and Dyagilevo, causing “justified” losses to Russia. “Every detail was perfectly executed,” he said, noting operatives were safely withdrawn before the strike. The attack, prompted by intelligence of an imminent Russian strike, aimed to degrade Moscow’s long-range capabilities.
What’s most interesting, and this can now be stated publicly, is that the “office” of our operation on Russian territory was located directly next to FSB headquarters in one of their regions.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 1, 2025Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev confirmed the Belaya airbase attack, Siberia’s first, with Russian air defenses engaged, per BBC News. Russian media reported a fire at Belaya, while investigators linked two bridge collapses in Kursk and Bryansk, killing seven, to possible Ukrainian sabotage, per The Moscow Times.
It’s genuinely satisfying when something I authorized a year and six months ago comes to fruition and deprives Russians of over forty units of strategic aviation. We will continue this work.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 1, 2025The strike on the Russian airbase occurred before peace talks in Istanbul, which were scheduled for June 2. During these talks, Zelensky aims to achieve a “full and unconditional ceasefire” along with the return of prisoners. He criticised Russia for rejecting a U.S.-proposed truce under consideration since March 11, advocating for sanctions and diplomatic efforts. The Ukraine-Russia conflict has been ongoing since February 2022 and continues into 2025. Ukraine is utilising its drone fleet to counter Russia’s missile superiority.
Last night, there were nearly 500 Russian drones, attack drones. Each week, they have been increasing the number of units used per strike. Now, they have also prepared Kalibr missiles launched from naval carriers. We know exactly who we are dealing with. We will defend ourselves…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 1, 2025The Ukraine drone attack marks a strategic escalation, showcasing Kyiv’s ability to strike deep into Russia, potentially shifting the war’s dynamics. As the Zelensky drone strategy disrupts Moscow’s air power, the Istanbul talks could hinge on this operation’s fallout, drawing global focus to the Spider’s Web operation and Ukraine’s resilience.
Pressure is truly needed, pressure on Russia that should bring it back to reality. Pressure through sanctions. Pressure from our forces. Pressure through diplomacy. All of it must work together.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 1, 2025
