Today, there is important news from the Russian Federation.   

Here, Ukraine exploited the chaos after its devastating Operation Spiderweb and targeted more Russian airfields with long-range drones, while the Russians were too busy to check every truck on their road network because of the paranoia that more Ukrainian drones may pop out at any moment. 

As details continue to surface, it is clear that Ukraine executed Operation Spiderweb in spectacular fashion, destroying a third of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet in a single coordinated drone strike on multiple airbases deep inside enemy territory. Satellite imagery continues to surface, raising the number of confirmed losses and solidifying the operation as an unparalleled success in modern military history, with some analysts drawing comparison to how nuclear bombs changed the way wars can play out.

But despite this tremendous success, Ukrainian forces were far from finished. Capitalizing swiftly on the chaos and panic gripping the Russian defense systems, Ukraine quickly unleashed further drone assaults on key Russian airfields. 

Notably, overnight drone strikes targeted military airbases in Borisoglebsk and Tikhoretsk. In Tikhoretsk, newly constructed hangars were set ablaze, suggesting damage or destruction of aircraft concealed inside. Meanwhile, the Borisoglebsk airbase experienced a particularly heavy drone barrage, leading to confirmed fatalities among Russian Air Force personnel.

Though Russian officials hastily assured the public that no aircraft were harmed in the attack, the human casualties represent severe losses, as training pilots and air force personnel, particularly instructors, takes years and substantial resources, deepening Russia’s military setbacks.

The aftermath of Operation Spiderweb extended well beyond physical destruction, dramatically impacting Russian domestic logistics and economy due to unprecedented paranoia about possible further truck-based drone attacks. Russian authorities, gripped by panic and desperate to prevent further humiliating strikes, now view nearly every truck as a potential threat. Across Russia, widespread checkpoints and roadblocks have been hastily established, resulting in kilometers-long traffic jams of trucks awaiting rigorous inspections. 

Videos circulating online illustrate hundreds of immobilized trucks, indicating that Russia’s extensive and crucial domestic road transport network is grinding to a halt. While the economic repercussions are difficult to predict precisely, the sheer scale of Russia and its heavy reliance on road transport suggests a prolonged paralysis that will almost certainly disrupt critical supply chains, harming economic productivity for weeks to come. This will also lead to delays in military logistics, which will hurt Russia’s summer offensive in Ukraine.

Amid this growing logistical chaos, Russia’s internal response has devolved into a frenzied search for scapegoats. Prominent Russian media figures and military analysts were humiliated by the effectiveness of the Ukrainian operation. Additionally, the blame and anger fell on the role ordinary citizens and conscripts played in documenting and circulating results and evidence of the attacks online by posting footage of the strikes. These videos not only boosted Ukrainian morale but also provided vital intelligence, allowing Ukraine to assess the precision and success of their strikes and to plan even more devastating future operations.

This frenzied climate has triggered widespread arrests, as Russian security services desperately detain anyone remotely connected to the strikes. Notably, a couple accused of housing one of the warehouses used to stage the drone attacks has already been arrested. Another individual, a truck driver involved in transporting a Ukrainian drone container, claimed ignorance, asserting he was simply instructed to meet someone at a location.

Panic and hysteria during the operation spiraled so much out of control that another truck driver was brutally killed by an angry mob, highlighting the volatile and dangerous situation rapidly unfolding within Russian society with each Ukrainian success.

Overall, though Operation Spiderweb formally concluded, it continues to profoundly destabilize Russia, creating further tactical and strategic opportunities for Ukraine. The initial operation ignited panic across Russia, which Ukrainian forces promptly exploited through timely follow-up drone strikes, delivering additional damage to Russian airfields.

Meanwhile, Russia remains preoccupied, hunting feverishly for additional hidden threats in trucks spread across its vast territory. With Russian society descending into paranoia and uncertainty, it remains unclear when and where Ukraine’s next surprise attack will occur, ensuring that Russia’s strategic leadership remains in confusion and dread.

In our regular frontline report, we pair up with the military blogger Reporting from Ukraine to keep you informed about what is happening on the battlefield in the Russo-Ukrainian war.

US President Donald Trump argued that Ukraine’s recent Spiderweb drone operation against Russian airfields gave Russia justification for its retaliatory strike on civilians.

“They gave the reason to go and bomb the hell out of them last night. That’s the thing I didn’t like about it. When I saw it, I said “Here we go, now it’s going to be a strike,” Trump said to journalists. 

Trump’s comments came after he held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 4 June that lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes. During that call, Putin warned that Russia would retaliate for a recent “Spiderweb” drone operation, according to Trump’s account.

Russia’s Defense Ministry also subsequently characterized its bombardment of Ukraine as retaliation for the Ukrainian airfield operation.

On 6 June, Russia involved its Tu-160 strategic bombers in last night’s cruise missile strike against Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. Usually, only older Tu-95 aircraft carried out such attacks, now both Tu-95s and Tu-160s were used to launch 36 Kh-101 missiles. Militarnyi notes that the use of Tu-160s in such attacks is unusual and signals a potential shortage of Tu-95MSM bombers, which are typically used for these operations.

According to Militarnyi, Tu-95MSM bombers are generally favored for missile strikes because of their higher airframe and engine longevity, which is attributed to several factors: lower flight loads, simpler construction, use of turboprop engines, and suitability for long-duration patrol missions at cruising speeds of approximately 750 km/h at altitudes of 8–10 km. These conditions impose less wear on the aircraft compared to supersonic flight.

Breaking: Russian strategic bombers ablaze en masse under SBU drone attack (video)

Higher operational costs and faster degradation

The Tu-160 is faster and more powerful than the Tu-95 but is significantly more complex to operate, according to Militarnyi. It features variable-sweep wings, which require additional mechanical systems, and it is designed for supersonic speeds that place heavier structural loads on the airframe and engines. These factors result in faster degradation during service and much higher operational costs, both in fuel consumption and maintenance.

Satellite images reveal wreckage of Russian strategic bombers after Ukraine’s Spiderweb drone operation deep in Russia

Ukrainian “Trojan horse” operation Spiderweb likely caused Tu-95MSM shortage

Militarnyi says the increased use of Tu-160 bombers is likely the result of losses sustained during the Ukrainian Security Service’s (SBU) Operation Pavutyna (“Spiderweb” or “Cobweb”). During that operation, at least eight Tu-95 bombers were reportedly hit—either destroyed or damaged—on Russian airbases.

Per Militarnyi, the following Tu-95 aircraft were identified as damaged or destroyed:

• RF-94120 “Kozelsk” (Belaya airbase), confirmed as modernized to Tu-95MSM
• RF-94132 “Voronezh” (Olenya airbase), also modernized to Tu-95MSM
• RF-94257 “Chelyabinsk” (Olenya airbase), confirmed as Tu-95MS as of 2021, though later modernization is not ruled out
• Five additional Tu-95 aircraft, unspecified in their modernization status, were also hit at Belaya and Olenya airbases but have not yet been identified

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) published video documentation of a large-scale Spiderweb drone operation that targeted Russian strategic airbases.

The released footage shows FPV drone attacks on Russian airfields at Olenya, Ivanovo, Dyagilevo, and Belaya, some as far as 2000 km or 4000 km from the frontline. The SBU identified these locations as bases for Russia’s strategic aviation units that conduct regular strikes on Ukrainian civilian areas, the SBU reported.

The operation resulted in strikes against 41 Russian military aircraft, including A-50 early warning planes, Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers, Tu-22 medium-range bombers, along with An-12 transport aircraft and Il-78 tankers.

The SBU stated that many of the struck aircraft were destroyed beyond repair, while others will require extended reconstruction periods.

The operation employed advanced drone control systems that combined artificial intelligence with human operators. When drones lost communication signals, they switched to autonomous mode using pre-programmed flight paths and AI algorithms. The warheads activated automatically upon reaching designated targets, according to the technical description provided.

The SBU estimated the total value of damaged equipment at over $7 billion. President Volodymyr Zelensky personally oversaw the mission’s execution, while SBU Head Vasyl Maliuk led the operational implementation.

President Zelenskyy described the Spider Web mission deep inside Russia as “restoration of justice” and a step toward “coercion to real peace.” On 4 June, he awarded Security Service personnel who carried out the special operation.

“The war is now inflicting tangible losses and damage on the aggressor as well,” he wrote.

Following Ukraine’s 1 June high-profile Spiderweb drone operation that targeted nuclear-capable Russian bombers deep inside Russian territory, US President Donald Trump has not issued any public comment. Meanwhile, MAGA influencers are reacting with suspicion, warnings, and accusations of US involvement, Axios reported late on 2 June.

While officials and media in Ukraine praised the operation’s scale and success, voices within Trump’s MAGA movement sharply criticized it, according to Axios. Some expressed anger that Trump had not been informed of the strike in advance. Others framed the event as a provocation with potential global consequences.

Influencers speculate about US role

On Steve Bannon’s “War Room,” pro-Trump commentator Jack Posobiec questioned the possibility of US involvement in planning. Charlie Kirk, a leading MAGA activist, said, “Seems very much on the interior of Russia. I sure hope America had nothing to do with it.”

Rogan O’Handley, who runs the DC Draino account, claimed — without providing evidence — that the strike was “intentionally conducted to drag America into WW3.” Former Pentagon official Dan Caldwell warned of direct risks: “US should not only distance itself from this attack but end any support that could directly or indirectly enable attacks against Russian strategic nuclear forces.”

Meet First Contact’s Osa: Ukrainian FPV drone used to strike Russian bombers in Spiderweb operation

Longstanding MAGA hostility toward Zelenskyy and Ukraine

Axios noted that MAGA-aligned figures have consistently criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and framed Ukraine as a corrupt and untrustworthy actor. Military actions by Ukraine, even against legitimate military targets, often provoke stronger backlash within the Trump-aligned sphere than Russian daily strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.

“Zelensky and any Ukrainian military operations against Russian troops have been met with hostility from MAGA for years,” Axios wrote.

Trump himself has issued occasional criticism of Russian attacks but remains largely quiet on many events involving Ukraine

Axios highlighted growing pressure on Trump from different factions within the Republican Party. While some GOP senators advocate for tougher stances on Russia, the MAGA base demands disengagement from Ukraine and views the country with deep suspicion.

A new report by Defense Express identifies Ukrainian Osa (“Wasp”) FPV drones produced by First Contact as the likely unmanned aircraft used in the Security Service of Ukraine’s (SBU) highly successful 1 June Spiderweb operation targeting Russian strategic bombers on their home bases.

Visual confirmation of drone model through unique design

Based on images from the preparation phase of the operation within Russian territory, Defense Express highlights drone units stored in hive-like structures under the roofs of mock pre-made houses, which were delivered by trucks to areas near Russian airbases.

Trojan truck op: Kyiv destroys “34%” of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet within hours with truck-launched FPV drones (updated)

According to Defense Express, these images reveal distinctive elements matching the Osa drone, including its thick enclosed frame housing all electronics, a fixed power port, and a front-placed antenna near the camera, rather than the usual rear placement.

Unlike most other FPVs that use an open skeletal frame and top-mounted cables, the Osa employs a sealed construction, which Defense Express argues made it more suited for long-distance transport inside trucks and resilient enough for use in various weather conditions.

Combat capability and final preparation on Russian soil

Further confirmation came through a high-resolution photo published by Censor.net. A bottom-up view of the drone reveals unique ventilation holes and confirms the presence of integrated skids, which served as shaped-charge warheads, according to a reader clarification. Defense Express notes that final drone assembly or arming still occurred on Russian territory prior to deployment.

Specifications support suitability for the mission

According to the manufacturer, the Osa FPV drone is capable of carrying up to 3.3 kg of payload, remaining airborne for 15 minutes, and reaching speeds of up to 42 m/s (approximately 150 km/h). These capabilities allow it to maintain stability and control even in stormy conditions — key requirements for a strike operation executed deep within Russian territory.

Potential use of AI for targeting

Defense Express also cites indications that the drones involved in the Spiderweb operation may have utilized artificial intelligence to locate, identify, and target vulnerable areas on enemy aircraft. First Contact, the manufacturer of the Osa drone, was already developing and testing AI-enabled drones as of January 2024, suggesting the firm likely had deployable systems by the time of the attack.

Independent sources reinforce drone identification

In addition to the visual and technical analysis, Defense Express consulted internal sources familiar with the operation. These sources confirmed the high likelihood that the Osa drones produced by First Contact were the exact type used in the deep-strike mission targeting strategic bomber bases.

These planes aren’t just expensive — they can’t be replaced. On 1 June, Ukraine launched a devastating operation, Spiderweb, against four Russian airbases, destroying and damaging over 40 aircraft, including key strategic bombers with AI-powered FPV-drones, Channel 24 reports. 

According to Oleh Katkov, editor-in-chief of Defense Express, the losses amount to billions of dollars, and Russia has no way to replace them. 

“A strategic bomber costs an astronomical amount. Its value isn’t even measured in money, especially for Russia. To illustrate, a modern strategic bomber costs over a billion dollars per unit, simply because so few are produced,” says Katkov.

Among the lost aircraft, the Tu-160 supersonic missile carriers, developed during the Soviet era, are especially valuable. Katkov notes that Russia has only about 18 of them left, and not a single one was built from scratch after the Soviet Union collapsed.

The situation is even worse with the Tu-95 bombers — Russia no longer produces them at all.

“The only partial replacement they can attempt is to take a Soviet airframe and try to assemble a ‘new’ aircraft around it. But there’s nothing truly new in their inventory,” Katkov explains.

Thus, the strikes on Russia’s strategic aviation don’t just weaken its military power — they expose a deep crisis in the country’s defense-industrial complex.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that the coordination center of the Security Service of Ukraine’s operation Spiderweb on Russian territory was located directly next to one of the FSB’s regional offices. 

As a result of the operation, A-50 radar planes, Tu-95, and Tu-22M3 bombers were struck. The estimated value of the destroyed bombers exceeds $7 billion. 

He added that 117 drones were used in the operation, each operated by a separate team.

New satellite imagery has emerged showing the destroyed Russian strategic aircraft at the Belaya air base in Russia’s Irkutsk Oblast, located over 4000 km (2485 miles) away from Ukraine, after smuggled Ukrainian drones struck Russian military airfields on 1 June.

The images, captured by American aerospace company Umbra Space and published by geospatial intelligence consultant Chris Biggers on X, show destroyed and damaged Russian bombers.

According to Biggers’ analysis of the satellite data, the strike resulted in the destruction of three Tu-95MS strategic bombers with one additional aircraft damaged, along with one destroyed Tu-22M3 bomber.

A second image reveals what appears to be three Tu-22M3 strategic bombers that were either destroyed or heavily damaged.

The satellite images utilize synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, which allows imaging through cloud cover. 

Ukrainian Spiderweb operation

The operation, conducted on 1 June, targeted four Russian military airfields: Olenya, Belaya, Dyagilevo, and Ivanovo, using 117 AI-powered FPV drones smuggled into Russia hidden in trucks.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reports that the strikes hit various Russian aircraft including A-50 early warning planes, Tu-95 strategic bombers, and Tu-22M3 bombers.

Ukraine’s intelligence service claims the operation damaged 41 Russian aircraft, representing what they describe as “34% of strategic cruise missile carriers at their base airfields.” However, independent verification of this figure is not available.

The SBU has stated that personnel involved in preparing the operation, which spanned over 18 months, have returned to Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that the SBU’s coordination center for the operation was located directly next to a Russian regional FSB [Russia’s Federal Security Service] office, highlighting the boldness and sophistication of the mission.

The Spiderweb operation represents Ukraine’s culmination of developing and utilizing drones for successful modern warfare. Ukrainian drone capabilities rapidly evolved from makeshift, volunteer-built systems into a $2.8 billion domestic industry producing millions of advanced drones, including AI-powered kamikaze models and heavy bombers like the “Baba Yaga.” 

Russia bombs Ukrainian schools and children’s hospitals. Kyiv hits back with strikes on Moscow’s aircraft.

According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the estimated value of the aircraft destroyed or damaged during the special operation “Web” is approximately $7 billion.

The agency notes that a total of 34% of Russia’s strategic missile carriers based at their main airfields were hit in the operation. The SBU promises to release more details about the mission later.

“You thought Ukraine was that simple? Ukraine is super. Ukraine is unique. It has endured the steamrollers of history. In today’s world, it is priceless,” the SBU press service stated, quoting prominent Ukrainian writer Lina Kostenko. 

Meanwhile, CBS News reports that the White House has not been informed in advance of Ukraine’s plans to carry out a large-scale strike on Russian strategic aviation. It summarizes the day’s events and adds that White House spokespeople declined to comment on the Ukrainian strike. This information has also been confirmed by Axios, citing an unnamed Ukrainian official.

Ukraine strikes Russian strategic bomber airbases in Murmansk and Irkutsk Oblasts with kamikaze drones, targeting aircraft about 2,000 and over 4,000 km from the frontline. Footage from the sites shows massive fires and burning aircraft. The operation has been conducted by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), according to unofficial reports.

Drone attacks in Olenya and Belaya airbases

Ukrainian FPV kamikaze drones attacked strategic bomber airbases deep within Russian territory, according to reports by Ukrainian and Russian Telegram channels. The strikes targeted the Olenya airbase in Murmansk Oblast—approximately 2,000 km north of Ukraine—and the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk Oblast, located 4,300 km to the east. 

Residents near Belaya reportedly captured footage of FPV drones hitting the airfield, followed by multiple explosions. The Olenya airbase was also struck, and open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysts from Cyberboroshno identified the location in videos showing destroyed strategic bombers.

One of the videos, published by multiple Telegram channels, shows drone footage of fires at Belaya airbase, with voice-over commentary by SBU head Vasyl Maliuk, confirming the strike.

FPV drones were delivered to both bases by motor vehicles

In Irkutsk, Supernova+ reported that a long-haul truck stopped near the Belaya airbase and began launching FPV drones from its trailer, which then targeted parked aircraft and facilities on-site.

Similar accounts emerged from Murmansk Oblast. In one video, the narrator states:

“A long-haul truck arrived in Olenegorsk, the driver is running around frantically, FPV drones are flying out of his truck. The traffic police have just arrested him. He says, ‘I was told to come here, that someone would meet me. The drones are flying out one after another.’“

Visual evidence, allegedly from this attack indicated it was not a truck but a van towing a trailer in Murmansk Oblast. Later, it turned out that the images of the van were old.

Damage to aircraft and confirmed targets

According to analysis of the available video materials, at least four Tu-95 strategic bombers—used by Russia to conduct missile strikes on Ukrainian territory—were reportedly destroyed at Olenya airbase, Militarnyi says.

Ukrainian Telegram channel Supernova+ published multiple videos from both Murmansk and Irkutsk Oblasts, claiming there were at least 10 explosions at Olenya.

Another channel, Exilenova+, posted footage of Tu-95MS bombers engulfed in flames at Olenegorsk, Murmansk Oblast.

Russian Migalovo airbase hit by kamikaze drones, reports confirm (video)

First drone strike in Irkutsk Oblast

This marks the first time Irkutsk Oblast has been attacked by drones since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

Russian site Meduza says the drones were reportedly spotted in the Usolsky district, with settlements such as Sredniy and Novomaltinsk coming under attack. The Belaya military airfield in this area houses Tu-22M3 bombers.

SBU operation “Web” targets Russian bombers

Ukrainian publication Babel, citing sources within the SBU, reported that the strikes were part of a planned special operation dubbed “Pautyna” (“Web”), carried out on 1 June.

Babel’s report added that the FPV drones were deployed to target aircraft involved in bombing Ukrainian cities and towns. The damages from this operation are estimated to exceed $2 billion, according to the source. 

Read the follow-up:

“Trojan truck attack”: Ukraine used AI-trained FPV drones launched from trucks to destroy “34%” of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet in a day