Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has struck deep inside Russian territory, destroying or damaging more than 40 Russian military aircraft across four major airfields. The attack targeted strategic bombers vital to Russia’s ongoing war efforts against Ukraine, delivering a severe blow to Moscow’s air power.
The airfields hit included Belaya in the Irkutsk region, Olenya in Murmansk, Ivanovo in the Ivanovo region, and Dyagilevo in Ryazan. Video footage shared on Telegram shows burning Tu-95 strategic bombers and other aircraft engulfed in flames, many rendered completely unusable. Among the planes affected were the Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and a rare A-50 early warning aircraft, which plays a crucial role in Russia’s battlefield surveillance.
The drones used in this large-scale operation were reportedly launched from inside Russian territory itself, signalling a significant increase in Ukraine’s reach and offensive capabilities. The mission, code named “Web,” was months in the making and personally overseen by SBU Chief Lieutenant General Vasyl Maliuk, who is heard in videos celebrating the success and referring to the explosions as “bavovna,” a Ukrainian term for blasts in enemy-held areas.
Preliminary Ukrainian assessments estimate the damage at over $2.2 billion, which is around £1.8 billion.
