Ukraine’s “Operation Spider Web” Sends Strong Signal to Russia – and Trump
In its most daring and long-range military operation to date, Ukraine has launched coordinated drone strikes deep inside Russian territory, targeting key airfields in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur. The operation, dubbed “Operation Spider Web,” reportedly damaged or destroyed at least 41 Russian military aircraft, including strategic bombers and radar planes, according to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the operation as an “absolutely brilliant result,” adding that it was “a result achieved solely by Ukraine.” The statement, widely interpreted as a message not only to Moscow but also to former U.S. President Donald Trump, comes just months after Trump told Zelensky in Washington, “You don’t have the cards.”
Following the attacks, Business Ukraine posted an image on X depicting Zelensky as a “King of Drones,” responding to earlier suggestions that Ukraine was powerless without U.S. backing.
The operation’s success was made possible through meticulous 18-month planning. FPV drones were smuggled into Russia and concealed in wooden cabins mounted on trucks near airbases, launched remotely at the time of the strike.
The timing of the attack is critical, coinciding with scheduled peace talks in Istanbul. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to a full ceasefire and a dignified peace, stating that Ukraine’s proposal is clear, while Russia has yet to present any formal document.
Operation Spider Web marks a major shift in Ukraine’s defense strategy and global perception of its military capabilities.
