Russia has been dealt another significant blow as Ukrainian forces launched drone attacks on military airfields deep inside Russian territory, targeting key infrastructure and crippling Moscow’s strategic bomber fleet.
Ukrainian intelligence chief Vasyl Malyuk boasted about the attacks, saying they were months in the planning and came after a drone operation that had taken out a third of Russia’s aircraft bomber fleet. The strikes left Kremlin officials “angry and alarmed” over the vulnerability of their nuclear-capable air fleet far from the battlefield.
The attacks, dubbed Operation Spiderweb, saw 117 drones launched from concealed trucks, hitting 41 aircraft and inflicting $7 billion in damage. Analysts say this is a huge intelligence coup for Ukraine and likely not a one-off, with some speculating that Kyiv may have hundreds or thousands of prepositioned containers ready for subsequent attacks.
“This operation can be seen as an opening move in a strategic campaign involving deception, covert prepositioning and strategic psychological warfare,” said Zev Faintuch, head of research and intelligence at international security firm Global Guardian. “Ukraine is demonstrating new tactics and what he describes as 21st-century war fighting that has an impact far beyond their borders.”
The strikes also dealt a significant blow to Russia’s military machine, with damage inflicted on Tu-160, Tu-95, and Tu-22 M3 bombers likely to rattle decision makers around Putin.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s drone attack on the Kerch Bridge, a critical supply and transport route for Moscow’s forces, further undermined Putin’s image. The bridge’s structural integrity was reportedly in a critical condition after explosives were detonated, but the roadway showed no signs of damage.
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how Moscow will respond to these attacks. However, experts say that Putin may be forced to increase strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine as he seeks to regain public support.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-putin-week-worst-2025-2080788