Explained: Here's How Ukraine's Daring 'Spider's Web' Drone Blitz Set 41 Russian Warplanes Ablaze

In one of the boldest moves of the war, Ukraine on Sunday, June 1, launched its deepest and most complex drone strike to date, targeting strategic Russian airbases thousands of kilometres from the frontlines.

The covert operation, called the 'Spider’s Web', caused major damage to Russia’s long-range aviation fleet and highlighted Ukraine’s expanding capability to strike far behind enemy lines.

How Ukraine's Covert Drone Plan Worked

According to a senior Ukrainian security official quoted by Reuters, the operation relied on ingenuity over brute force. Explosive-laden quadcopter drones were hidden inside the roofs of ordinary wooden sheds. These sheds were then transported by trucks to areas near four key Russian airbases Belaya, Olenya, Ivanovo, and Dyagilevo. Once in position, the sheds’ roofs were remotely activated to release dozens of drones in a synchronised airborne assault.

Footage provided to Reuters showed the drones nestled within beams of the mobile structures, with other visuals online depicting shed-like units offloading drones directly near airfields. While the number of damaged aircraft remains under verification, Ukraine claims at least 41 warplanes were hit, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M strategic bombers used in repeated missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that 117 drones were used, each operated individually. “It’s genuinely satisfying when something I authorised a year and six months ago comes to fruition and deprives Russians of over forty units of strategic aviation,” Zelensky said in a post on X, calling the operation “absolutely unique”.

Have a look at his video statement here:

In an X thread, Zelensky further wrote, "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."

Have a look:

A Blow to Russian Air Power and a Signal Before Peace Talks

What makes the strike particularly significant is the geographical reach. One of the targets, Belaya airbase in Irkutsk, lies over 4,300 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. The successful hit there suggests extensive pre-planning and collaboration from assets inside Russian territory. Zelensky claimed these operatives were safely extracted prior to the attack.

The drone blitz came just a day before scheduled peace talks in Istanbul and shortly after Russia launched its largest aerial bombardment since the war began, firing 367 missiles and drones at Ukrainian cities, an attack that killed at least 13 civilians, including children.

Ukraine’s leadership said the strike was justified. “Not for a single second did we want this war,” Zelensky said, reiterating that Kyiv had backed a US proposal for a full ceasefire in March. “It was the Russians who chose to continue.”

Meanwhile, Russia has acknowledged the attacks. Its Defence Ministry reported strikes on five regions, noting that drones managed to hit aircraft in Murmansk and Irkutsk despite air defences.