Ukraine’s Groundbreaking Operation Against Russian Bombers: A Year and a Half in the Making

In a daring strike using unmanned aircraft on Russian soil, Ukraine reportedly damaged over 40 strategic bomber planes, according to sources from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), which orchestrated the secret operation codenamed ‘Web.’ The operation targeted key bases such as Belaya, Dyagilevo, Olenya, and Ivanovo. The attacks significantly harmed or destroyed dozens of bombers used daily in attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 long-range bombers, as well as an A-50 early warning and control aircraft. Videos circulating online also show a naval base in Severomorsk, home to Russia’s Northern Fleet nuclear submarines, having been hit. An SBU source stated, “Our unmanned aircraft now reach deep into enemy territory, where planes that bomb our citizens take off. Their impunity has ended.” This operation, prepared for over a year and a half under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s direct supervision, was executed by SBU chief Lieutenant General Vasyl Maliuk and his team. Estimated damages to the aircraft are approximately $2 billion, marking one of the most significant operations since the start of the war and a major setback for Russia. The drones were smuggled into Russia disguised in wooden containers placed at the back of trucks parked near targeted bases. When the time came, the truck doors opened, launching drones equipped with AI to pinpoint and strike weak points on each plane. SBU operatives involved have safely returned to Ukraine, and the service has released photos of dozens of drones used in the operation. Many videos show the trucks catching fire after the mission concluded, likely due to self-destruction mechanisms.