Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has launched a large-scale assault on Russian military airfields, claiming to have destroyed more than 40 warplanes in a meticulously planned operation. The strike, reportedly in preparation for over 18 months, targeted multiple air bases deep inside Russian territory, including one in Siberia.
Codenamed “Pavutyna” (“Web”), the operation was personally overseen by SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk, according to sources in Ukraine’s security services. The attack reportedly struck strategic aircraft such as A-50 early warning planes, Tu-95 strategic bombers, and Tu-22M3s, with damage estimates reaching around $2 billion. Ukrainian media have identified the affected airfields as Dyagilevo in the Ryazan region, Olenya in Murmansk, Belaya in Irkutsk, and Ivanovo (Severny) in the Ivanovo region.
Reports suggest the assault involved drones smuggled into Russian territory and launched from trucks stationed near key sites. Governors in the Murmansk, Ryazan, and Irkutsk regions have acknowledged drone strikes, though Russian officials have provided limited details on the extent of the damage.
Pro-war Russian military bloggers have described the incident as a “serious blow” to the country’s aviation capabilities, with concerns rising over the irreparable loss of strategic bombers. The Telegram channel Fighterbomber, which is closely aligned with Russia’s Aerospace Forces, declared the strike a devastating moment for long-range military aviation.
Ukraine has yet to issue an official statement, while Russia has not confirmed the reported aircraft losses. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue, with a new round of ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul.
