Multiple U.S. media outlets—including Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, and CBS News—have independently confirmed the Ukrainian drone swarm operation targeted and destroyed approximately 40 Russian military aircraft across four airbases.
| Published June 1, 2025
Ukraine carried out a large-scale drone swarm operation targeting multiple Russian airbases deep within Russian territory. The attacks reportedly damaged or destroyed a significant number of Russia’s long-range bombers, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 aircraft, and potentially an A-50 airborne radar platform. The operation, said to involve dozens of drones, demonstrated Ukraine’s increasing use of drone warfare in its military operations.
According to sources cited by open-source intelligence groups, Ukraine’s drones were launched from inside Russian territory, possibly transported covertly and deployed near the targeted airfields. Ukrainian military insiders dubbed the strike “Operation Spiderweb,” highlighting the sophistication and coordination involved. Preliminary satellite imagery released by independent analysts appears to confirm visible blast damage at Engels, Mozdok, and other Russian airbases.
Affected airfields reportedly include:
- Murmansk Oblast
- Irkutsk Oblast
- Ivanovo Oblast
- Ryazan Oblast
- Amur Oblast
According to Ukrainian intelligence officials cited by CBS News, the aircraft destroyed include Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers, which play a central role in Russia’s strategic and nuclear-capable long-range aviation forces.
According to Ukrainian intelligence officials cited by CBS News, the aircraft destroyed include Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers, which play a central role in Russia’s strategic and nuclear-capable long-range aviation forces.
✈️✈️✈️🤩🤩🤩 pic.twitter.com/XeI5i8Bd39
— MAKS 25 🇺🇦👀 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) June 1, 2025
The Military Balance+, a database maintained by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, indicated that Russia had a fleet of 54 Tu-22M3s and 58 Tu-95MS bombers before the attack. It remains unclear how many of these long-range bombers were destroyed.
Ukrainian officials have yet to issue a formal statement on the operation, though unofficial military channels celebrated the success of the strikes. Russian authorities acknowledged attempted drone incursions but minimized the damage, claiming most drones were intercepted.
President Donald Trump, publicly stated that he was not notified in advance of the operation. Speaking to reporters during a public event, Trump said, “I wasn’t informed about this ahead of time—they didn’t tell me anything.” His comments raised questions about the level of communication between Ukraine, the U.S. administration, and NATO allies concerning significant military actions.
The timing of the drone attacks coincided with preparations for U.S.-backed ceasefire talks scheduled to take place in Istanbul. Neither Ukraine nor Russia has indicated whether these strikes will influence the upcoming negotiations.
Map of the Ukraine drone attacks in Russia.Donald Pearsall / NY Post Design
A screenshot from a drone video of the alleged attack released by the SBU on June 1, 2025.Ukraine’s Security Service
Here are the key implications of Ukraine’s drone swarm attack on Russian airfields and President Trump stating he was not notified in advance:
1. U.S.-Ukraine Communication Gaps
President Trump’s statement that he was not informed ahead of the strike suggests a possible breakdown or bypass in communication between Ukrainian officials and the current U.S. administration. This could raise questions about coordination, trust, and control among allies.
2. Shift in Ukrainian Strategy
The use of drone swarms launched from inside Russia signals a shift in Ukraine’s approach—moving from defensive to more proactive and deeply targeted tactics. It reflects Ukraine’s growing operational confidence and technological capability.
3. Escalation Risk for Russia-Ukraine War
Attacking Russian military infrastructure far from the front lines could provoke a stronger response from Moscow. The strike may be interpreted as a major escalation, increasing the risk of broader retaliation or new fronts opening in the conflict.
4. Diplomatic Complexity
The operation occurred just as U.S.-led ceasefire talks were being organized in Istanbul. The timing adds complexity to negotiations, possibly affecting the willingness of either party to compromise or altering the leverage each side holds.
5. Domestic Political Pressure
Trump’s lack of prior knowledge may fuel debate in Washington over how the administration is managing foreign policy and oversight of military operations by U.S. allies. It could also influence public discourse on America’s role in the conflict.
Overall Takeaway:
Ukraine’s deep strike using drone swarms marks a major tactical development in the war with Russia, while President Trump’s claim of not being notified in advance raises concerns about coordination between allies and the current administration’s situational awareness during high-stakes military actions.
SOURCES: ZEROHEDGE – Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Swarm Attack On Russian Airfields, Trump “Not Notified In Advance”
THE TELEGRAPH – Trump left in dark over air base attacks on Russia
NEWSMAX – Ukraine Strikes Russian Strategic Bombers at 4 Bases
THE NEW YORK POST – Ukraine wipes out dozens of Russian doomsday nuclear bombers in massive surprise attack on air bases, Kyiv says: ‘Russian Pearl Harbor’
