Daring drone strike
Ukraine launched a massive drone assault deep inside Russian territory, targeting five military airbases and marking one of the war’s boldest operations. (Image: AP)
Strategic bombers hit
The attack was aimed at 41 Russian aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 strategic bombers, and A-50 radar planes crippling a third of Russia’s cruise missile carriers. (Image: X)
Record breaking range
This was Ukraine’s longest-range strike yet, with drones hitting targets up to 4,300 kilometers away, including the Olenya and Belaya airbases. (Image: X)
Close range launch
Drones were launched from sites close to Russian airfields, not from Ukraine, catching Russian defenses off guard and causing fires at multiple bases. (Image: X)
Heavy Russian losses
Ukraine estimates $7 billion in damages, with 34% of Russia’s strategic bombers hit. Meanwhile, Russian bloggers called it a “black day for aviation.” (Image: X)
Months long planning
Operation “Spider’s Web” took over 18 months of secretive planning and logistics, including smuggling drones into Russia in disguised trucks. (Image: AP)
Ceasefire proposal offered
After the attack, President Zelenskyy renewed calls for a “full and unconditional ceasefire,” emphasising Ukraine’s preference for peace over continued conflict. (Image: X)