An Ingenious Operation Unfolds

In a jaw-dropping display of ingenuity, Ukraine orchestrated a monumental attack on June 1, striking deep within Russian territory with over 100 drones. Dubbed the "Spider Web" operation, it spanned an astonishing 18 months, leading to explosions reported across multiple Russian time zones, from Murmansk in the Arctic to the Amur region, more than 8,000 kilometers away.

The Scale of the Strike

Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the operation affected five regions: Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur. While they claimed only limited damage in Murmansk and Irkutsk, the sheer scale of the engagement raised concerns deep within Russian military circles.

How It Was Executed

Vasyl Maliuk, head of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), revealed that the drones were ingeniously smuggled inside wooden cabins on lorries, cleverly concealed for their journey. Once near their targets, the drones were launched, causing panic among unsuspecting truck drivers, some of whom attempted to thwart the drones with rocks.

Zelensky Takes Charge

In a bold social media post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took credit for the operation, stating it utilized 117 drones with meticulous planning that spanned over a year and a half. He highlighted that one strike landed alarmingly close to an FSB security service office.

Russian Reaction and Arrests

Following the attack, Russia reported detaining individuals linked to the operation. However, Zelensky claimed that those who facilitated the strike had already been safely extracted from Russian territory.

The Drones: A Technical Marvel

Drone experts revealed that the craft used were simple yet effective quadcopters capable of carrying substantial payloads. The ability to remotely pilot them from a distance is indicative of Ukraine's evolving proficiency in drone warfare.

Tangible Losses for Russia

Zelensky declared significant losses for Russia, claiming that 41 strategic bombers were hit, with at least 13 destroyed. Videos verified by the BBC revealed visibly damaged aircraft, including the Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers, crucial components in Russia's military arsenal.

The Cost of the Operation

The SBU estimated that the Spider Web operation cost Russia a staggering $7 billion. Meanwhile, silence enveloped Russian state media regarding the events, as the narrative quickly vanished from the headlines.

Celebration in Ukraine

Across social media, Ukrainians celebrated this monumental success, with some calling it a "titanic" achievement. Zelensky hinted at even more revelations to come, stating, "these are actions that will undoubtedly be in history books."