In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has launched an unprecedented drone assault on multiple Russian airbases, reportedly destroying over 40 military aircraft and prompting a large-scale counterattack from Moscow.
The Ukrainian operation, dubbed Operation Spider’s Web, was carried out on 1 June and is believed to be one of Kyiv’s most daring strikes since the war began. The attack targeted at least five Russian airbases deep within Russian territory, including facilities housing strategic bombers such as the Tu-95 and Tu-22M, as well as surveillance aircraft like the A-50.
According to Ukrainian officials, the operation was meticulously planned over an 18-month period and personally overseen by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a covert effort to bypass Russian defences, the drones were smuggled into the country in concealed compartments within mobile wooden structures, before being deployed remotely.
In response, Russia launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine in over two years. Moscow deployed a combination of 472 drones and seven missiles, striking targets across multiple regions. Ukrainian officials confirmed at least 12 soldiers were killed and more than 60 others injured in the onslaught. Additional Russian strikes on 2 June hit areas including Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Sumy, causing further civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
The wave of attacks on both sides comes as Ukrainian and Russian delegations engage in renewed peace talks in Istanbul—the first direct negotiations between the two countries since 2022. While both sides have reportedly tabled proposals, significant differences remain, casting doubt on any immediate breakthrough.
As the international community closely monitors developments, the latest exchange of hostilities underscores the evolving nature of the war and the complex path ahead for any diplomatic resolution.
