It was an attack of astonishing ingenuity – unprecedented, broad, and 18 months in the making. On 1 June more than 100 Ukrainian drones struck air bases deep inside Russia, targeting nuclear-capable long-range bombers. The scale of the operation dubbed "Spider Web" became clear almost as soon as it began, with explosions reported across several time zones all over Russia - as far north as Murmansk above the Arctic Circle, and as far east as the Amur region, over 8,000km from Ukraine. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed the attacks had occurred in five regions of Russia - Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan and Amur - but stated planes had been damaged only in Murmansk and Irkutsk, while in other locations the attacks had been repelled. In photos released shortly after the attack, Vasyl Maliuk, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), can be seen looking at a satellite map of airfields in which the bases in the locations listed by Russia are clearly identifiable. Maliuk said the drones were smuggled into Russia inside wooden cabins mounted on the back of lorries and concealed below remotely operated detachable roofs. The lorries were then apparently driven to locations near airbases by drivers who were seemingly unaware of their cargo; then, the drones were launched and set upon their targets. Videos circulating online show drones emerging from the roof of one of the vehicles involved. One lorry driver interviewed by Russian state outlet Ria Novosti said he and other drivers tried to knock down drones flying out of a lorry with rocks. "They were in the back of the truck and we threw stones to keep them from flying up, to keep them pinned down," he said. According to unverified reports by Russian Telegram channel Baza – which is known for its links to the security services – the drivers of the lorries from which the drones took off all told similar stories of being booked by businessmen to deliver wooden cabins in various locations around Russia. Some of them said they then received further instructions over the phone on where to park the lorries; when they did so, they were stunned to see drones fly out of them. In a triumphant post shared on social media on Sunday night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky – who directly supervised the operation - said 117 drones had been used in the daring attack that took "one year, six months and nine days" to prepare. He also said one of the targeted locations was right next to one of the offices of the FSB Russian security services. Russia has said it has detained people in connection with the attack, although Zelensky stated the people who had helped facilitate the operation "were withdrawn from Russian territory... they are now safe". In a now-deleted Telegram post, local authorities from the city of Ust-Kut in the Irkutsk region said they were looking for a Ukrainian-born 37-year-old in connection with the drone attack on the Belaya military airfield. Images shared by the SBU show dozens of small black drones neatly stashed in wooden cabins inside a warehouse, which Russian military bloggers pinpointed to a location in Chelyabinsk. Dr Steve Wright, a UK-based drone expert, told the BBC the drones used to hit Russian aircraft were simple quadcopters carrying relatively heavy payloads. He added that what made this attack "quite extraordinary" was the ability to smuggle them into Russia and then launch and command them remotely – which he concluded had been achieved through a link relayed through a satellite or the internet. Zelensky said each of the 117 drones launched had its own pilot. Dr Wright also suggested it was likely the drones were able to fly in using GPS but may have also overcome localised Russian jamming measures by manually piloting drones remotely. Kyiv has not shared details on the origin of the drones, but since the start of the war Ukraine has become extremely efficient at manufacturing them – and it is possible the ones used in this operation were produced at home. "Russia has had very tangible losses, and justifiably so," said Zelensky in his nightly video address. According to Ukraine, 41 strategic bombers were hit and "at least" 13 destroyed. Moscow has not confirmed any losses of aircraft beyond saying some planes had been damaged. Videos verified by the BBC show damaged aircraft at the Olenegorsk air base in Murmansk and the Belaya air base in Irkutsk. The strategic missile-carrying bombers targeted in the attack are thought to be – among others - the Tu-95, Tu-22 and Tu-160. Repairing them will be difficult and, because none are still in production, replacing them is impossible. Radar satellite imagery shared by Capella Space reveals at least four badly damaged or destroyed Russian long-range bombers at Belaya airbase. This matches Ukrainian drone footage also showing an attack on a Tu-95 bomber. "According to the laws and customs of war, we have worked out absolutely legitimate targets – military airfields and aircraft that bomb our peaceful cities," said SBU head Vasyl Malyuk. Tu-95 bombers are said to have launched a large-scale Kh-101 missile attack on Ukraine as recently as last week. Each bomber can carry eight guided cruise missiles and each missile itself carries a 400kg (882lb) warhead. A-50 military spy planes were also reportedly targeted. They are valuable aircraft that boost Russia's ability to both intercept Ukrainian missiles and to launch its own strikes. It is not known how many A-50s Russia has - but in February 2024 military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov put that number at eight, so any loss or damage could be a serious blow to Moscow. In a post on social media, the SBU said operation Spider Web cost Russia $7bn (£5.2bn). Russian state media stayed studiously quiet on the attacks, with primetime Sunday TV shows merely quoting statements by regional authorities. By Monday morning, the story had disappeared from the bulletins. On the internet and beyond Ukrainians celebrated, with one lauding the operation as "titanic". "Of course, not everything can be revealed at this moment," Zelensky wrote on Telegram, "but these are Ukrainian actions that will undoubtedly be in history books." Additional reporting by Kumar Malhotra, Tom Spencer, Richard Irvine-Brown, Paul Brown and Benedict Garman
How Ukraine carried out daring 'Spider Web' attack on Russian bombers
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Ukraine Launches Coordinated Drone Attack on Russian Air Bases"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
On June 1, Ukraine executed a sophisticated drone operation dubbed 'Spider Web', targeting Russian air bases housing nuclear-capable long-range bombers. This unprecedented attack involved over 100 drones and was the culmination of 18 months of planning. The operation spanned across several regions of Russia, with explosions reported from Murmansk in the north to the Amur region in the east, a distance exceeding 8,000 kilometers from Ukraine. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed the attacks affected five regions, including Murmansk and Irkutsk, where some aircraft sustained damage. Ukrainian officials, including Vasyl Maliuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), revealed that the drones were ingeniously concealed in wooden cabins mounted on trucks, which were driven to the vicinity of the targeted airbases. Reports indicate that the truck drivers were oblivious to the drones hidden within their cargo until the operation commenced, with some drivers attempting to fend off the drones with rocks as they took flight from the vehicles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the operation took one year, six months, and nine days to prepare, highlighting the strategic significance of the attacks, particularly given that one target was near the FSB headquarters in Russia.
The aftermath of the Spider Web operation has raised questions regarding the effectiveness of Russian air defenses and the capability of Ukrainian forces to conduct such complex operations deep within enemy territory. Zelensky claimed that the attack resulted in significant losses for Russia, with reports suggesting that 41 strategic bombers were impacted, and at least 13 were destroyed. The targeted bombers, including the Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160, are critical assets for Russia, capable of launching long-range missile strikes. The operational success of the drones, which were likely manufactured domestically in Ukraine, reflects the evolving capabilities of Ukraine's military strategy. While Russia has downplayed the extent of the damage, imagery from the attack corroborates reports of destroyed aircraft. The SBU estimated the financial impact of the operation on Russia at $7 billion, a significant blow to its military resources. The operation has been celebrated in Ukraine, with Zelensky asserting that these actions will be recorded in history, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The report outlines a significant and innovative military operation undertaken by Ukraine against Russian bombers, emphasizing the extensive planning and execution involved. The "Spider Web" attack, which utilized over 100 drones to target multiple air bases across Russia, represents a notable escalation in Ukraine's military capabilities and tactics.
Intent Behind the Report
The article aims to showcase the ingenuity and effectiveness of Ukraine's military strategy, likely to bolster morale among supporters and emphasize Ukraine's resilience in the ongoing conflict. By detailing the operational aspects of the attack, the report seeks to portray Ukraine as an adaptable and technologically advanced military force.
Public Perception and Messaging
The narrative constructed in the article is designed to inspire confidence in Ukraine's military efforts while simultaneously sending a message to Russia about the vulnerabilities of its defenses. This portrayal may also aim to encourage continued support from Western allies, reinforcing the idea that Ukraine is capable of conducting sophisticated operations against a larger adversary.
Potential Concealments
There could be elements of the broader context of the war that are not fully addressed, such as the humanitarian impact of such attacks or the potential for escalation in military responses from Russia. By focusing on the technical success of the operation, the article may downplay the consequences that such actions could have on civilian populations or international relations.
Assessment of Manipulativeness
The article can be seen as moderately manipulative due to its selection of details that emphasize a successful operation while potentially omitting the complexities and risks involved. The language used is carefully chosen to evoke a sense of pride and accomplishment, which may influence public sentiment in favor of Ukraine's military actions.
Reliability of Information
While the report presents a compelling narrative supported by various accounts and visual evidence, the reliance on unverified sources, especially from Russian Telegram channels, raises questions about the overall reliability of the information. The confirmation from the Russian Defense Ministry regarding the attacks adds a layer of credibility, yet the specifics of the damage reported remain inconsistent.
Broader Implications
The implications of this report could extend into various domains, including geopolitical tensions, military strategy, and public opinion. The successful execution of such an operation might prompt Russia to reassess its military posture and could lead to heightened security measures at critical installations. Economically, defense sector stocks in Western nations may see fluctuations based on perceived military developments.
Target Audience
This news piece appears to resonate primarily with audiences that support Ukraine's sovereignty and military efforts. It may particularly appeal to those interested in defense technology and military strategy, fostering a sense of support among those who advocate for Ukraine's position in the conflict.
Impact on Markets
In the context of global markets, developments in the conflict could influence defense-related stocks and broader market sentiments regarding stability in Eastern Europe. Investors may react to news of military operations, affecting companies involved in defense manufacturing, technology, and security.
Geopolitical Context
From a geopolitical perspective, the article highlights the ongoing dynamic between Ukraine and Russia, reinforcing existing narratives of conflict and resistance. It connects to current global concerns regarding military capabilities, national security, and the balance of power in the region.
AI Involvement in Writing
While it's difficult to ascertain the specific use of AI in the writing of this report, elements such as data analysis, language processing, and content structuring could have been supported by AI technologies. The coherent narrative and the strategic framing of the operation suggest a level of editorial oversight that might benefit from AI tools.
The article constructs a narrative that emphasizes Ukraine's tactical success while navigating the complexities of military engagement, aiming to strengthen public support and international solidarity for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.