The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has carried out an unprecedented and unique special operation to simultaneously strike four military airfields deep in Russian territory, where enemy aircraft are based.
As a result of drone strikes, 41 aircraft were hit, including A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 planes.
This was announced by the Head of the SSU, Lieutenant General Vasyl Maliuk.
"The destruction of enemy bombers is a mission assigned to us by the President of Ukraine, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Volodymyr Zelensky. He personally oversaw the course of the special operation, which was prepared by the Security Service staff. These aircraft had been bombing our country almost every night, and today they tangibly felt that ‘retribution is inevitable.’ The SSU is doing—and will continue to do—everything possible to protect Ukraine and put an end to Russian attacks," said Vasyl Maliuk.
The SSU chief led the operational team that had been preparing the special operation—code-named "Spider Web"—for over a year and a half.
As a result, SSU drones struck targets at four Russian military airfields: "Belaya," "Dyagilevo," "Olenya," and "Ivanovo." Thanks to this plan, it was possible to simultaneously inflict the largest single-time blow to Russian aviation.
"In total, we're talking about hitting 34% of Russia's strategic cruise missile carriers based at its main airfields. This was not just a devastating strike on enemy aviation, but a serious blow to Russia’s might and its terrorist essence," emphasized Maliuk.
The estimated value of the destroyed strategic aircraft exceeds 7 billion US dollars.
According to Maliuk, the "Spider Web" operation took place across three time zones and was extremely complex in terms of logistics.
First, the SSU smuggled FPV drones into Russia, followed by mobile wooden houses. Once inside Russian territory, the drones were hidden under the roofs of these houses, which were placed on cargo trucks. At the right moment, the roofs were remotely opened, and the drones flew out to hit their designated targets—Russian bombers.
"According to the laws and customs of war, we struck entirely lawful targets—military airfields and aircraft that bomb our peaceful cities. So, from our side, this is genuine demilitarization of Russia, as we are destroying purely military targets. Our strikes will continue as long as Russia keeps terrorizing Ukrainians with missiles and Shahed drones," Maliuk stressed.
He thanked all members of the Security Service who were involved in this historic operation, emphasizing that all participants have long since returned to Ukraine.
"The enemy thought it could bomb Ukraine and kill Ukrainians with impunity and endlessly. But that’s not the case. We will respond to Russian terror and destroy the enemy everywhere—at sea, in the air, and on land. And if needed—we’ll reach them even from underground," said the SSU Chief.
