Ukraine Drone Attack Hits Russian Bombers in Deep Strike on Siberian Air Base
KYIV, June 1 (Reuters) – In one of the most daring operations of the war, Ukrainian intelligence operatives successfully carried out a high-impact drone attack on multiple Russian air bases, including a strategic facility in Siberia. The operation, reportedly codenamed “Spider’s Web,” targeted Russian long-range bombers, including the Tu-95 and Tu-22M, used to launch missile strikes against Ukraine.
According to a Ukrainian security official, drones packed with explosives were covertly hidden inside the roofs of wooden sheds. These sheds were transported on trucks and placed near the perimeter of four Russian air bases. The drones were released via a remote-controlled mechanism that lifted the roof panels, allowing the UAVs to launch directly from the truck-mounted sheds.
The official, speaking anonymously, claimed the Ukraine drone attack struck 41 Russian warplanes, though this figure has not been independently verified by Reuters.
Unverified footage shared on Russian social media appears to show strategic bombers ablaze at the Belaya air base in Russia’s Irkutsk region, located over 4,300 kilometers from the front lines—a remarkable distance for a Ukrainian drone operation. If confirmed, this would mark the longest-range Ukrainian drone strike since the war began.
Russian Reaction and Visual Evidence
Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev confirmed a drone attack near the village of Sredny, close to the Belaya air base, but did not specify the exact target. He stated the drones were launched from a truck, aligning with Ukraine’s claims.
Photos provided by the Ukrainian official showed dozens of short-range quadcopters stockpiled inside an industrial facility—believed to be the same models used in the assault. Additional images displayed the wooden sheds with metal roofing removed and drones placed between the roof beams.
A video, shared on Russian Telegram channels and not yet authenticated by Reuters, showed similar sheds loaded onto trucks. The clip captures roof panels lying on the ground as at least two drones emerge from the shed’s interior and fly off. Russian media outlet Baza claimed the footage was taken near the Belaya air base.
Strategic Impact
The Irkutsk region air base houses Tupolev Tu-22M and Tu-95 long-range bombers—key assets in Russia’s air campaign against Ukraine. If the reported damage is confirmed, this would be one of the most significant Ukrainian drone attacks of the conflict, dealing a substantial blow to Russia’s air strike capabilities.
The Ukrainian security official stated the entire mission was supervised by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vasyl Maliuk, head of Ukraine’s SBU domestic intelligence agency.
This attack showcases a dramatic escalation in Ukraine’s ability to reach deep inside Russian territory, using innovative tactics to bypass limitations on drone range and deliver precision strikes.
Tags: ukraine drone attack russian bombers, russian drone attack, ukraine, ukraine drone attack, tu95, tu 95
