Ukraine reveals details, results of large-scale special operation "Spiderweb"

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has revealed details of a large-scale, unprecedented special operation that targeted four Russian military airfields and resulted in the damage of 41 aircraft, including strategic bombers such as the A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160.

SBU Chairman Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk described the covert operation—codenamed “Spiderweb”—as “unprecedented and unique,” noting its strategic complexity and execution across three time zones. According to Malyuk, the operation was in preparation for more than a year and a half, led by a special working group under his command, Caliber.Az reports per Ukrainian media. 

“So, first the SBU sent FPV drones to Russia, and then mobile wooden houses. Once on the territory of the Russian Federation, the drones were hidden under the roofs of the houses, placed on trucks. At the right moment, the roofs of the houses were opened remotely, and the drones flew to hit specific targets – Russian bombers,” Malyuk explained.

The Ukrainian strike simultaneously hit military airfields in “Belaya,” “Dyagilevo,” “Olenya,” and “Ivanovo,” delivering what Malyuk described as a significant strategic blow. 

“In general, we are talking about the defeat of 34% of strategic cruise missile carriers at the main airfields of the Russian Federation. This was not just a crushing blow to enemy aviation, but a serious slap in the face to the power and terrorist essence of the Russian Federation,” he added. 

The estimated financial cost of the destroyed and damaged aircraft exceeds $7 billion, according to Ukrainian assessments.

Malyuk stressed the operation only targeted legitimate military objectives.

“Therefore, on our part, there is a real demilitarisation of the Russian Federation, because we are destroying military targets. And our strikes will continue exactly as long as the Russian Federation terrorises Ukrainians with missiles and martyrs,” the lieutenant said. 

He further stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had personally tasked the SBU with targeting enemy bombers and oversaw the operation. 

“The enemy thought that it could bomb Ukraine and kill Ukrainians with impunity and endlessly, but that is not the case. We will respond to Russian terror and destroy the enemy everywhere – at sea, in the air and on land. And if necessary, we will get them from under the ground,” he noted. 

Malyuk emphasised that all participants involved in the planning and execution of the special operation had remained on Ukrainian territory.

The operation has drawn significant international attention. Writing for The Washington Post, columnist Max Boot likened Ukraine’s strike to the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, arguing that it redefines modern warfare. Boot noted, “Ukraine’s attack on Russian airfields played the same role in military history as Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, completely rewriting the rules of war.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said "Operation Spiderweb" had made "an absolutely brilliant result" which was "achieved solely by Ukraine."

By Sabina Mammadli