Sunday, June 1, 2025 — Curated by the team of Boldvoices.in
In a stunning escalation of the Ukraine-Russia war, Ukraine launched a daring and deeply strategic drone offensive today, targeting Russia’s long-range nuclear-capable bombers. The operation, internally codenamed “Operation Spiderweb”, struck at the very heart of Russia’s aerial deterrence capabilities.
The Strike That Shook the Bear
According to emerging intelligence sources, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) meticulously planned this attack over 18 months. More than 40 drones were used, many of them transported into Russia hidden in commercial vehicles. Once within striking range, they were launched in coordinated waves, hitting four major Russian airbases — Irkutsk, Murmansk, Ryazan, and Ivanovo — all known to house strategic bombers like the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, both capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
While Russia claims many drones were intercepted mid-air, satellite images and leaked footage suggest multiple bombers were destroyed or severely damaged on the ground.
Russia’s Public Response and Strategic Dilemma
The Russian Defence Ministry swiftly condemned the attacks, branding them “terrorist actions” orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence with NATO support. President Vladimir Putin has reportedly called an emergency meeting with his Security Council.
Military analysts in Moscow believe Russia could:
- Launch a retaliatory missile barrage on Ukrainian command centers.
- Intensify electronic warfare and cyber operations, possibly disrupting Kyiv’s drone networks.
- Reconsider its nuclear readiness posture, potentially moving warheads to more secure bases.
However, an immediate nuclear response remains highly unlikely — Russia knows the global red lines and the cost of crossing them.
Why This Attack Matters
Ukraine’s strike isn’t just a tactical blow — it’s symbolic. It shows that even Russia’s most guarded strategic assets are not untouchable. It may force the Kremlin to rethink how it protects its long-range aviation units and signals to the world that Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities are maturing rapidly.
Moreover, this comes at a time when peace talks in Istanbul were being quietly revived behind closed doors. This assault might derail that process — or push both sides harder toward negotiations, fearing further escalation.
The Road Ahead
This drone strike marks one of the deepest Ukrainian penetrations into Russian military infrastructure since the war began. If Kyiv can hit Russia’s nuclear bombers inside their hangars, it shifts the psychological balance of the war — from defense to defiance.
The world watches with bated breath. A wounded bear is most dangerous not when it strikes, but when it feels cornered.
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