“Operation Spider Web,” a coordinated drone attack by Ukraine on five Russian airfields launched from shipping containers atop truckbeds, damaged 40-plus long-range strategic bombers, destroying “at least” 13 of them, according to Ukraine Security Services (SBU).
The attack by 117 drones on Sunday, June 1, was “one year, six months and nine days” in the making, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. The strikes were carried out deep inside and throughout Russia — at airfields in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur.
The drones were hidden inside wooden crates transported into the five areas by unaware Russian truck drivers. The drones were then launched from the trucks, surprising drivers who had no idea what they were ferrying. Some drivers attempted to take down the drones by throwing rocks at them.
Ukraine has long been targeting Russian military sites using drones, but since drones fly so slowly, they are easy to take down with heavy machine gun fire. The airfield attacks placed the drones closer to their targets and had the added advantage of being sudden and unexpected.
The drones were remotely piloted after being launched, and each drone had its own pilot, according to Zelensky. Amazingly enough, word has it that the drones were actually assembled inside Russia by Ukrainian operatives, who returned home before the attacks.
More of this type of aggressive display of strength and cunning by Ukraine could help propel ceasefire talks but also could force Putin to launch his own counter-offensive, which is pretty much what happened. The Russian leader still appears hellbent on conquering Ukraine much as he did Chechnya when he consolidated power. Chechnya is now part of the Russian Federation.
Trump, who has been eerily silent on the attack, should learn — rather, remember — that words need to be backed by action to have effect.
Meanwhile, the talking heads on TV — comprised of former military and security officials — routinely condemned the attack as only making peace talks more difficult.
Right, lay down your arms and Putin will respect that and end the war. Haha — it’s amazing how the Neville Chamberlain mindset has gripped officials since Trump started his ceasefire push.
NOTE: The photo shows a drone on its descent into a Russian aircraft.