Ukraine drone strike destroys Russian bombers in operation planned for 18 months

The brazen Ukrainian blitz of Russian warplanes on Sunday was a meticulously planned operation known as “Operation Spider’s Web,” which had been in the works for 18 months. The Pentagon was reportedly kept in the dark until after the mission was successfully executed, sources told Fox News.

The operation, which involved a series of coordinated drone strikes deep into Russian territory, targeted five military airfields where Russia’s most powerful bomber jets and surveillance planes were stationed. Using small FPV drones hidden inside wooden cabins mounted on trucks, Ukraine was able to penetrate Russian defenses and take out dozens of aircraft on the runways.

President Volodymyr Zelensky personally oversaw the operation, according to Ukraine’s security service (SBU). In a statement following the successful mission, Zelensky hailed it as “an absolutely brilliant result” achieved solely by Ukraine. He revealed that the planning and execution of the operation took one year, six months, and nine days, making it their most long-range operation to date.

The attack, which Ukraine claimed used 117 drones, resulted in significant damage to Russia’s strategic bombers, with an estimated cost of $7 billion according to the SBU. Russia’s defense ministry confirmed that airfields in five regions were targeted, leading to fires on several aircraft. The ministry labeled the strike as a “terrorist act” and claimed to have repelled the attack, although admitting to some aircraft catching fire.

The operation took place just before planned peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, which are supported by President Donald Trump. Ukraine aims to push for a full ceasefire, the return of captured prisoners, and the repatriation of children taken to Russia.

The Pentagon was reportedly not informed about the attack in advance, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth only received a full briefing after the operation had concluded. U.S. officials were skeptical of reports that up to 50 Russian bombers were hit, estimating the number to be between 11 and 15, potentially impacting five Russian airfields.

Military experts believe that the raid has damaged Russia’s ability to launch long-range missile attacks, as it targeted key bomber aircraft like the TU-95 and TU-22M3. Ukraine also claimed to have damaged a Russian A-50 radar aircraft, crucial for directing Russian air power.

Overall, the success of “Operation Spider’s Web” marks a significant victory for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The White House has yet to respond to the attack, and the aftermath of the strike is likely to have lasting implications for the region.