Ukraine Destroys Third Russian Strategic Bombers in Large-Scale Drone Attack

Ukraine executed a carefully planned drone strike on June 1 against Russian strategic bombers stationed at multiple air bases in Russia, damaging or destroying an estimated third of Russia’s long-range bombers. The attack, dubbed Spider’s Web, involved smuggling over 100 FPV drones into Russia covertly and represented a significant blow to the Kremlin’s military capabilities, with damage estimates reaching $7 billion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the operation as a historic success achieved through long-term planning and innovation, emphasizing Ukraine’s right to defend itself and the need for Russia to end the war. In response, Russian officials, including Dmitry Medvedev, vowed retribution against Ukraine. The strike not only had strategic military implications but also boosted morale in Ukraine, symbolizing justice for cities like Mariupol that suffered under Russian bombings. Meanwhile, ongoing ceasefire talks and a large prisoner exchange indicate that diplomacy continues alongside the conflict.