Ukraine says at least 40 Russian warplanes hit in massive drone strikes

**Ukraine asserts that over 40 Russian warplanes were hit by massive drone strikes** Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a massive drone strike that allegedly damaged or destroyed more than 40 Russian warplanes across several key airbases, escalating its military campaign dramatically. Officials in Ukraine say that the attack, which took place in the early morning hours of June 1, 2025, was one of the largest and most successful drone operations since the war with Russia began. The operation, codenamed "Spider Web," targeted several Russian airfields, including Olenya in Murmansk Oblast, Diaghilevo in Ryazan Oblast, Belaya in Irkutsk Oblast, and Ivanovo Severny in Ivanovo Oblast, according to Ukraine's Security Service (SBU). Strategic bombers like the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 as well as the A-50 airborne early warning aircraft are known to be housed at these bases. Ukrainian sources shared footage that showed several aircraft clearly engulfed in flames as thick black smoke rose from some of the affected bases. While Russia has acknowledged that drone attacks have occurred in specific locations, the country has yet to provide an official count of the damage. Access restrictions and ongoing military activity limit independent verification. The fact that this operation was the result of more than a year of planning and development has been emphasized by the Ukrainian government. In order to circumvent radar detection and air defenses, the reportedly used drones were launched from concealed mobile platforms inside Russian territory. Considering the disparity in long-range missile capabilities between the two nations, this strategy represents a significant shift in Ukraine's military tactics. According to Ukrainian officials, the operation involved the simultaneous deployment of more than 70 drones. demonstrating Kyiv's growing reliance on domestically produced weapons, many of these were indigenously developed systems. This, according to analysts, is a direct response to Ukraine's urgent need to expand its strategic reach and restrictions on Western weapons deliveries. Russia used more than 470 drones and a number of missiles to launch its own massive assault on Ukrainian territory in response to the drone attack. A Ukrainian military training facility was hit by one of these missiles, killing at least 12 soldiers and injuring more than 60 others. The tit-for-tat strikes are a significant step up in drone warfare, a strategy that is increasingly defining this contemporary conflict. The drone operation is viewed as a strategic and symbolic success by the Ukrainian government. Ukraine intends to challenge the concept of safe havens far from the front lines and hinder Russia's ability to launch aerial attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure by striking deeply into Russian territory. In the near future, Russia's capacity for coordinated missile strikes and aerial intelligence gathering may be diminished by damaging strategic bombers and surveillance aircraft. In contrast, the strikes by drones occur just a few days prior to the planned international peace talks in Istanbul. The international community is keeping a close eye on the negotiations because Ukraine has confirmed its participation. The timing of such a well-publicized attack raises concerns regarding its potential to influence diplomatic discussions or international perceptions of Ukraine's military resolve. Experts warn that while the attack demonstrates Ukraine's inventiveness and tenacity, it may also elicit harsh Russian retaliation. Nevertheless, the operation highlights a significant shift in contemporary warfare, in which battlefield dynamics are increasingly altered by drones and asymmetric strategies. The skies over Ukraine and Russia may become even more tense as both nations invest in unmanned aerial capabilities. Long-range drone strike technologies could continue to advance, not just in Ukraine but around the world, if the operation in Ukraine is successful. Drone warfare may now be the central battleground in a war that has already reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe with no end in sight and both sides indicating firm military resolve.