Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has unveiled the meticulous planning behind a large-scale drone attack that struck deep into Russian territory, damaging at least 40 military aircraft across five airbases. Codenamed ‘Spider’s Web’, the operation marked a significant escalation in Ukraine’s defense efforts and demonstrated the reach and precision of its unmanned aerial capabilities.
Precision Operation Across Time Zones
Zelenskyy described the strike as a “brilliant” success, revealing that the operation involved 117 drones and took over 18 months to plan. The drones targeted airbases located in remote regions, including Belaya in Siberia, Olenya near the Arctic, and Ivanovo and Dyagilevo east of Moscow. Despite the complexity of coordinating assets across different Russian time zones, those who aided Ukraine were withdrawn from Russian territory just before the strike began.
The president expressed pride in the mission, saying it was satisfying to see something he had authorized a year and a half ago yield such a decisive impact. He confirmed that over 40 strategic aviation units were rendered unusable, calling the strike both justified and essential in the broader defense of Ukraine.
Intelligence Triggered the Timing
Zelenskyy also revealed that recent intelligence suggested Russia was preparing a major offensive, which influenced the decision to launch the drone assault. Emphasizing the growing frequency of Russian drone and missile attacks, he noted that nearly 500 attack drones had been used by Russia the previous night alone. Ukraine also intercepted plans involving Kalibr missiles deployed from naval platforms.
He urged Ukrainian citizens to continue taking air raid alerts seriously, citing the ever-increasing intensity of Russian strikes. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s determination to resist using all available means, reiterating that while Ukraine did not initiate the war, it remains committed to defending its people and sovereignty.
Zelenskyy also pointed out that a U.S.-proposed ceasefire has been on the table since March 11, but claimed it was Russia that rejected the opportunity for peace. Notably, the drone strike occurred just one day before peace talks were set to begin between Kyiv and Moscow in Istanbul. According to reports, the main goal was to destroy Russian long-range bombers far from the front lines, signaling Ukraine’s shift to more strategic, targeted responses in the ongoing conflict.
