Video feed of one of the loitering munitions. Source: Telegram Channel, Russia no context.
Operation « Web »
Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Strategic Aviation
It is a resounding coup. After 18 months of preparations, the SBU, the Ukrainian intelligence service, strikes hard and strong throughout the rear of the Russian country. One day before new talks in Istanbul, the Ukrainians neutralize part of the strategic bombers of the Russian Federation.
It was a fine and meticulous organization that took place on June 1st, 2022. A total of 117 drones were launched in an assault on five military airfields in a synchronized manner. Their targets were strategic bombers, aircraft ensuring the air component of the Russian Federation’s nuclear deterrence.
In total, 41 aircraft were hit by the Ukrainian intelligence service. This represents 34% of the air vectors of the atomic weapon. More precisely, Ukraine targeted strategic bombers, airborne early warning and control aircraft, and strategic air transport aircraft. A mass that will be difficult to replace.
Indeed, all these aircraft date from the USSR era, with their service entries dating from 1956 to 1985. Except for the air transport aircraft, the Russian Federation ceased their production between 1992 and 1993. Thus, the repair and renewal of the lost elements would be difficult. The total amount of damage could be estimated at more than 7 billion dollars.
Vassyl Vassylovytch Maliouk, head of the Ukrainian security service SBU, is shown leaning over maps of the targeted sites. Source: Telegram Channel, Russia no context.
The operation, named « Web, » would have required nearly a year and a half of preparation. And for good reason, the SBU launched its FPV drones on the aircraft from the vicinity of their respective bases, without any drone operator being on Russian territory. For months, the SBU carefully studied the location of its targets. Prepared down to the smallest details, the drone operators targeted specific points of the structures. Some drone videos show operators taking their time to ensure surgical strikes.
It was through tricked trucks that the SBU positioned its loitering munitions. Several heavy-duty containers were modified to contain a false ceiling to house the drones and a roof that could open to allow their deployment. Finally, it was Russian truck drivers who transported the cargoes to the vicinity of the five military airports. Paid by the task, these truck drivers would not have been aware of the contents of their cargoes.
Preparation of drones placed in false ceilings of containers modified for this purpose. Source: Telegram Channel, Russia no context.
On social networks, various Telegram accounts rejoice at the SBU’s tour de force. « Exactly 29 years ago, to the day, we ceded our nuclear weapons and their vectors (including bombers) to the Russian Federation, » comments the channel « Russia no context. » A pro-Ukrainian channel that relays and comments on images of the war.
« The situation has shown that even strategic installations located at the rear of the country are not protected. (…) This is the beginning of an era of constant threat, which destroys the internal stability of the criminal regime, » rejoices Siberian Battalion through its channel, which brings together Russian soldiers fighting for Ukraine.
In the context of the talks scheduled for June 2nd in Istanbul, the Ukrainians display a sense of revenge. « You have no cards in hand, » Trump told Zelensky last February. Moreover, Ukraine is the only (non-nuclear) country in the world to have destroyed so many enemy strategic aircraft, » boasts the Telegram channel « Russia no context. » The moderators continue, with sarcasm, addressing the Russian delegation directly, « Before each negotiation, the Russians shouted: ‘We must take into account the realities on the ground.’ So, tomorrow, don’t you want to take this ‘little moment’ into account?«
Twenty-four hours before new direct talks between Moscow and Kiev, the latter seems to be trying to tip the scales. By exposing Russia as vulnerable, Ukraine hopes to force the Kremlin into more favourable negotiations.
At man’s height, between the lines — Little Frenchy
01/06/2025