Ukraine strikes Russian two key military airbases in overnight operation

Ukraine’s Defence Forces launched a series of successful overnight strikes targeting key Russian military airbases and facilities deep inside Russian territory, including the Engels airbase in Saratov Oblast and the Dyagilevo airbase in Ryazan Oblast on the night of June 5-6.

According to a statement from Ukraine’s General Staff, the Engels airbase, a major site for Russian strategic bombers, was struck following an earlier operation by Ukraine’s Security Service. At least three fuel and lubricant storage tanks were reportedly hit, sparking a massive fire with heavy smoke and multiple explosions. Russian emergency services have failed to bring the blaze under control. Damage assessments are ongoing, Caliber.Az reports

In Ryazan Oblast, the Dyagilevo airbase—used by air tankers and escort fighters supporting missile strikes on Ukraine—was also targeted. A fire broke out near the base despite the deployment of Russian air defences in the area. Ukrainian forces reported the strike as successful, though the full extent of the impact is still being clarified.

Additional strikes were reported on other military targets within Russia and in occupied Ukrainian territories. Notably, a logistics hub of Russia’s 30th Motor Rifle Regiment of the 72nd Motor Rifle Division near Kulbaki, Kursk Oblast, was hit. Confirmation of the results is pending.

Independent monitoring group Astra reported that NASA satellites detected a fire at the Kristall fuel storage facility in Engels, part of Russia’s Rosrezerv system and a supplier to the Engels-2 airbase. Local residents posted videos showing burning fuel tanks, with one saying, “Two tanks are burning.”

The governor of Saratov Oblast acknowledged a fire at an unspecified industrial site in Engels but provided no further details.

On June 1, 2025, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) launched a landmark drone operation codenamed "Spider's Web," targeting multiple Russian military airfields located deep inside the country. The operation marked a significant escalation in Ukraine’s strategic capabilities and underscored its growing use of asymmetric warfare.

Planned over 18 months, the operation involved 117 long-range drones concealed within the roofs of wooden sheds. These sheds were covertly transported by trucks to five key Russian airbases: Belaya, Dyagilevo, Ivanovo Severny, Olenya, and Ukrainka. Once in position, the drones were remotely activated and launched, striking critical assets on the ground.

The attack focused on high-value targets, including Russian Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 strategic bombers, as well as an A-50 early warning and control aircraft. According to Ukrainian intelligence, 41 strategic bombers were damaged or destroyed—representing roughly 34% of Russia’s long-range aviation fleet—and the estimated cost of the losses is pegged at $7 billion.

Among the targeted sites, the strike on Belaya Airbase in Irkutsk Oblast stood out as the deepest reach of Ukrainian drones to date—more than 4,300 kilometers from Ukrainian-controlled territory. 

By Sabina Mammadli