On June 1, 2025, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) initiated one of its largest drone operations, codenamed Pavutyna (Web), targeting four Russian airbases and damaging more than 40 aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers as well as an A-50.
The Ukrainian drone strike hit Belaya airbase in Siberia’s Irkutsk region, marking the region’s first such attack, as confirmed by Governor Igor Kobzev, per BBC News.
The SBU targeted Belaya, Olenya, Dyagilevo, and Ivanovo airbases, aiming to cripple Russia’s long-range strike capabilities, per Kyiv Independent. A source told Reuters the strikes caused over $2 billion in damages, with fires reported at Belaya. Video evidence showed drones igniting aircraft, per Ukrainska Pravda. The SBU Pavutyna operation hit strategic bombers used in nightly attacks on Ukrainian cities, a significant blow to Moscow, per NV.ua.
❗️Russia’s Irkutsk region governor confirms 1st DRONE attack in Siberia
Says military unit targeted
Army and civilian responders already mobilized to tackle threat, source of drone launch blocked pic.twitter.com/jMgCajhXbT
— RT (@RT_com) June 1, 2025Kobzev reported the attack on Sridni’s military unit, with Russian air defences engaged, per LiveMint. Russian media, including RT, claimed the drone launch source was neutralised, though Ukraine’s SBU highlighted the operation’s success, per Firstpost. The Belaya airbase Siberia strike, over 4,000 km from Ukraine, underscores Kyiv’s advanced drone reach, per Defence Blog. X posts celebrated the attack, with one user stating, “Ukraine’s drones are rewriting warfare!” though some Russian sources alleged a false flag, per Kyiv Independent.
The Tu-95 Tu-22M3 drones operation, if verified, could be Ukraine’s most damaging strike, weakening Russia’s air force amid escalating conflict. Ukraine’s drone fleet, compensating for limited missile arsenals, has targeted Russian infrastructure before, per the Kyiv Post.
Per AFP, the attack precedes peace talks in Istanbul on June 2, where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks a ceasefire and prisoner returns. Russian claims of Ukrainian terrorism contrast with Kyiv’s strategic defence narrative, per Kyiv Independent.
The Ukrainian drone strike demonstrates Ukraine’s growing capability to hit deep inside Russia, potentially shifting the war’s dynamics. As the Russian airbase attack fuels tensions ahead of Istanbul talks, it highlights the role of drone warfare and Ukraine’s resilience, drawing global attention to the conflict’s escalation.
