Ukraine’s Drone Assault Destroys Russian Aircraft Fleet

Ukraine’s Drone Assault Destroys Russian Aircraft Fleet

Why in the News ?

Ukraine launched a massive drone offensive targeting Russian air bases across five time zones, destroying over 40 military aircraft. The attack marks one of the largest Ukrainian assaults deep into Russian territory, just ahead of ceasefire talks in Istanbul.

Major Drone Offensive by Ukraine:

• Ukraine conducted a coordinated drone attack on Russian airfields from eastern Siberia to the western border.
• Over 40 Russian military aircraft were destroyed, according to Ukrainian officials.
• This was Ukraine’s broadest aerial assault since the war began in 2022.
• Strategic bombers at the Belaya air base in Irkutsk (Siberia) were heavily damaged.

Escalation Before Peace Talks

• The attack occurred just before ceasefire negotiations set to begin in Istanbul.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Kyiv would send a peace delegation.
• Meanwhile, Russia retaliated by striking a Ukrainian military training base, killing at least 12 soldiers and injuring over 60.

Operation ‘Spider’s Web’ Unveiled:

• The drone assault was code-named “Spider’s Web”, reportedly supervised by Zelenskyy and SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk.
• Drones were hidden in wooden sheds mounted on trucks, with remote-controlled panels for deployment.
• Footage shows Tu-95 bombers in flames, marking a significant operational loss for Russia.
• Russia’s Defence Ministry acknowledged the attacks but denied casualties.