Operation Spiderweb:In a bold escalation of the ongoing war, Ukraine launched what it claims was its most extensive long-range strike against Russian military targets, destroying billions of dollars worth of strategic assets deep within Russian territory. The offensive, codenamed Operation Spiderweb, comes just as both sides prepare for direct talks in Istanbul to explore the prospects of a ceasefire.
Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Operation Spiderweb successfully destroyed Russian bombers worth over $7 billion. The strikes, planned for more than a year, were personally overseen by Zelensky himself and executed by SBU (Ukraine’s Security Service) Chief Vasyl Maliuk using specially designed FB drones.
Following Operation Spiderweb, the Ukrainian president says:
Today, a brilliant operation was carried out — on enemy territory, targeting only military objectives, specifically the equipment used to strike Ukraine. Russia suffered significant losses — entirely justified and deserved.The preparation took over a year and a half. Planning, organisation, every detail was perfectly executed. It can be said with confidence that this was an absolutely unique operation.What’s most interesting, and this can now be stated publicly, is that the “office” of our operation on Russian territory was located directly next to FSB headquarters in one of their regions.In total, 117 drones were used in the operation with a corresponding number of drone operators involved. 34% of the strategic cruise missile carriers stationed at air bases were hit. Our people operated across several Russian regions — in three different time zones. And the people who assisted us were withdrawn from Russian territory before the operation, they are now safe.It’s genuinely satisfying when something I authorized a year and six months ago comes to fruition and deprives Russians of over forty units of strategic aviation. We will continue this work.Even before this operation was carried out, we had intelligence indicating that Russia was preparing another massive strike. It is very important for all our people not to ignore the air raid alerts.Last night, there were nearly 500 Russian drones, attack drones. Each week, they have been increasing the number of units used per strike. Now, they have also prepared Kalibr missiles launched from naval carriers. We know exactly who we are dealing with. We will defend ourselves by all means available to us – to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.Not for a single second did we want this war. We offered the Russians a ceasefire. Since March 11, the U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire has been on the table. It was the Russians who chose to continue the war – even under conditions where the entire world is calling for an end to the killing.Pressure is truly needed, pressure on Russia that should bring it back to reality. Pressure through sanctions. Pressure from our forces. Pressure through diplomacy. All of it must work together.Today, also I held an extended meeting with Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Head of the Presidential Office, our intelligence chiefs, and military leadership. We discussed what exactly we expect from the meeting in Istanbul on Monday.We continue to propose a full and unconditional ceasefire, along with all rational and dignified steps that could lead to a lasting and reliable peace. The Ukrainian proposal we presented to the Russians is logical and realistic.
Perhaps most notably, the assault also rocked the Arctic city of Severomorsk—home to Russia’s largest fleet of nuclear submarines—and targeted the Olenya Guba naval base in the Murmansk region. Ukraine’s security service, the SBU, revealed that the drones used in the operation were hidden inside small wooden houses mounted on trucks. Once deployed, the roofs were remotely opened, releasing swarms of FB drones aimed at the selected military targets. Eyewitness footage confirmed drones launching from what appeared to be a truck parked near the Belaya air base.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense admitted on Telegram that several of its military aircraft caught fire but reported no casualties. It also confirmed the arrest of several individuals in connection with the attacks. In retaliation, Russia carried out a strike on a Ukrainian training ground, killing a dozen Ukrainian soldiers—a rare admission of losses by the Ukrainian military. The fallout prompted the resignation of Ukrainian Ground Forces Commander Mykola Dziurati.
The drone assault was followed by more chaos inside Russia. Explosions destroyed two rail bridges—one in Bryansk and another in the neighboring Kursk region—derailing a passenger and a freight train respectively. While investigators have opened a criminal inquiry, no official statement has identified the perpetrators. The regions in question have previously seen Ukrainian incursions, notably in August 2024.
These developments arrive at a delicate juncture, just as Ukraine and Russia prepare for high-stakes talks in Istanbul. President Zelensky announced the dispatch of a delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, while Russia’s team, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, arrived in Turkey ahead of the planned meeting. The peace initiative has reportedly been nudged forward by U.S. President Donald Trump, who personally urged both sides to the table.
However, military expert Lt. Col. Daniel L. Davis questioned the strategic value of the drone attacks. Speaking on his YouTube channel Deep Dive, Davis praised the tactical execution of Operation Spiderweb, citing its operational secrecy and technological sophistication. Nonetheless, he warned that such a move could backfire strategically.
“The success of a war doesn’t hinge on individual acts of brilliance, but on sustained pressure and long-term advantage,” Davis said. “Russia still maintains a significant edge in manpower, air power, industrial capacity, and logistics. While this operation was impressive, it will not turn the tide of war.”
He noted that the number of bombers destroyed—reportedly 41—may not affect Russia’s operational capacity significantly, as the Kremlin retains a large bomber fleet and usually employs only a dozen or so in any given strike mission. Moreover, Davis expressed concern that the attack could stiffen Moscow’s position during the Istanbul peace talks.
“The timing couldn’t be worse for Ukraine,” Davis added. “Striking strategic targets a day before negotiations risks pushing Russia into a more hardened stance.”
Davis also touched upon the geopolitical implications, pointing out that recent statements from the German Chancellor and U.S. administration seemed to offer tacit approval for Ukraine’s long-range strikes. He warned that Russia could respond with devastating retaliatory attacks, potentially deploying hypersonic missiles against high-value targets in Kyiv or elsewhere.
“This isn’t just about military hardware anymore,” Davis concluded. “It’s about leverage at the negotiation table. And right now, Russia holds most of the cards.”
As the Istanbul talks commence, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. Reports suggest that the proposed settlement terms are so divergent that meaningful compromise seems unlikely. If no breakthrough occurs, the war may enter an even more volatile and dangerous phase.