Ukraine Strikes Deep Into Russia: Kyiv/Istanbul, June 2, 2025 – In one of the boldest military actions of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine launched a high-risk drone strike on four Russian military bases, reportedly destroying 41 Russian warplanes without prior notification to the United States. The operation — code-named “Spider’s Web” — was executed by Ukraine’s domestic intelligence agency, the SBU, and was personally supervised by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk, according to a Ukrainian official.
The audacious strikes occurred just a day before Ukrainian delegates are scheduled to begin fresh peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, making the timing even more significant in diplomatic circles.
Precision Attack Reaches Deep Into Russian Territory
The drone assault, unprecedented in range and scale, targeted airbases in Russia’s Irkutsk and Murmansk regions — areas located over 4,000 kilometers from Ukraine — as well as bases in Ivanovo, Ryazan, and the Amur region in Russia’s Far East.
Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed the attacks, acknowledging damage and fires at some airfields. In a statement, the ministry also claimed to have repelled several incoming drones in the western and eastern regions.
Social media videos widely circulated by Russian outlets showed drones launching from concealed containers, and in one clip, individuals were seen scrambling atop a moving truck in a desperate attempt to intercept a drone mid-flight.
SBU Takes Credit: “Spider’s Web” Operation
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) officially claimed responsibility, describing the mission as a “multi-level, highly coordinated strike” targeting Russia’s air dominance infrastructure. A Ukrainian security source, speaking to Reuters, claimed the operation successfully hit 41 Russian aircraft, potentially setting back Russia’s airstrike capabilities in eastern Ukraine.
“This was a message,” said one senior Ukrainian official. “We have the reach, we have the intelligence, and we will defend our skies — on our terms.”
Notably, the United States was not informed prior to the operation — a move seen by analysts as Ukraine asserting its growing operational independence amid signs of tension over military strategy and support timelines.
Russia Retaliates with Record Drone Assault on Ukraine
In a swift and overwhelming response, Russia launched 472 drones — its largest aerial barrage since the invasion began in February 2022, according to Ukraine’s Air Force.
Speaking to the press, Yuriy Ignat, head of communications for Ukraine’s Air Force, confirmed that the drone swarm was accompanied by seven missile launches, with Ukraine’s air defense working through the night to neutralize incoming threats.
The scale of Russia’s retaliation reflects both the strategic damage caused by Ukraine’s strike and the deepening hostilities despite ongoing peace negotiations.
Peace Talks in Istanbul Overshadowed
Ukraine’s delegation is en route to Istanbul for a renewed round of direct peace talks with Russia starting Monday. However, the back-to-back aerial offensives have cast a shadow over the process.
While both sides have expressed willingness to return to the negotiating table, analysts warn that the latest military escalation may harden positions, especially if Russia perceives the drone strike as a breach of diplomatic goodwill.
Yet some experts suggest the timing may have been deliberate — Ukraine demonstrating strength just before talks, to signal that it will not negotiate from a position of weakness.
Global Reaction and Strategic Shifts
International reaction is expected in the coming days. While NATO and the EU have largely supported Ukraine’s right to defend itself, such long-range, deep-penetration drone attacks mark a new phase in the conflict — possibly testing the patience of allies, especially the U.S., which has urged “measured responses” in recent months.
Meanwhile, defense experts are calling Ukraine’s operation a “technological and tactical breakthrough,” highlighting the effectiveness of unmanned aerial systems in modern asymmetric warfare.
A New Chapter in a Relentless Conflict
As Ukraine asserts its reach into Russian territory and Russia hits back with its heaviest drone strike yet, the war appears to be entering a new, more unpredictable phase. With peace talks hanging in the balance and military capabilities being tested like never before, the coming days will likely determine whether diplomacy can prevail — or whether both sides are preparing for a prolonged confrontation.
