Ukraine’s “Operation Spider’s Web” Strikes Deep Inside Russia as Ceasefire Talks Loom
In a stunning escalation of long-range warfare, Ukraine launched what its intelligence services called a “large-scale” drone strike deep into Russian territory this weekend, targeting military airfields and infrastructure over 2,500 miles from the Ukrainian border. The operation, dubbed “Operation Spider’s Web”, reportedly destroyed 40 Russian military bombers and severely disrupted key elements of Moscow’s aerial strike capabilities — just as ceasefire talks are set to resume in Istanbul.
Precision Strike, Massive Distance
According to Ukrainian security sources speaking with CBS News, the attack was over a year and a half in the making and was personally overseen by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In his national address on Saturday evening, Zelenskyy confirmed that 117 drones had been used in the operation, calling it “one of the most sophisticated long-range assaults of the war.”
The drones targeted Belaya air base in Russia’s remote Irkutsk region — a facility used to house and refit long-range bomber aircraft capable of launching missile strikes across Ukraine. This marks the first recorded Ukrainian drone incursion into Irkutsk, a region that had previously remained untouched by frontline activity.
Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev, via Telegram, confirmed the drone strikes and emphasized that while there was significant damage to military assets, no civilian areas were affected, and the situation was “under control.” Photos and video footage shared on local Russian channels showed plumes of black smoke rising from the outskirts of the Belaya airfield.
The Spiders Inside the Web
Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) officials detailed the unique delivery method behind the drones: they were smuggled deep into Russia inside mobile wooden cabins mounted on trucks. Once stationed in remote regions, the cabin roofs opened remotely to allow for coordinated drone launches.
A Ukrainian security official told reporters under condition of anonymity: “The Russians were looking to the skies; we were already on the ground.”
The SBU claims that the drone strike destroyed 34% of Russia’s operational air missile carrier fleet, estimating damages at $7 billion. These figures have not yet been independently verified, but satellite imagery reviewed by international analysts shows significant scorching and debris at Belaya and nearby air installations.
White House Reaction and Strategic Implications
A White House spokesperson declined to comment publicly on the drone attack. However, administration sources told CBS News the U.S. was not briefed in advance about the operation. That silence may reflect the political tightrope Washington continues to walk in supporting Ukraine while avoiding direct escalation with Moscow.
Defense analysts say the strike represents a tactical breakthrough for Kyiv. Dr. Emilia Rybak, a senior fellow at the European Security Institute, commented:
“This was psychological warfare and tactical disruption rolled into one. It sends a message to Moscow that nowhere is safe and that the war’s reach has expanded geometrically.”
Russia Responds with Bloodshed
In response to the drone strike, Russian forces launched a massive counter-offensive involving 472 kamikaze drones and seven ballistic missiles, according to Yuriy Ignat, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force. It was reportedly the largest air raid since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
One Russian missile hit a Ukrainian army training facility, killing at least 12 soldiers, Ukrainian officials said. The site was located far behind the 620-mile front line, underscoring Russia’s ability to strike at strategic depth despite the hits to its bomber fleet.
Simultaneously, two mysterious bridge collapses in western Russia — one in Bryansk and another in Kursk — derailed trains and caused multiple casualties. In Bryansk, a passenger train was crushed beneath a collapsed overpass, killing seven and injuring dozens more. In Kursk, a freight train derailed in a similar incident. Russian authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the explosions, though the timing has raised speculation of coordinated Ukrainian sabotage or internal instability.
Ceasefire Talks in Istanbul
As smoke still rose over Irkutsk and Bryansk, Ukrainian and Russian delegations were en route to Istanbul for a renewed round of face-to-face peace talks. President Zelenskyy confirmed that the Ukrainian team would be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and emphasized three priorities for the talks:
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A complete and unconditional ceasefire
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Return of all Ukrainian prisoners of war
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Repatriation of children abducted during the conflict
Zelenskyy said:
“We are doing everything to protect our independence, our state, and our people. We are prepared for peace, but not surrender.”
Russian media confirmed that Moscow’s delegation also departed Sunday, with a long-promised memorandum on ending the war expected to be delivered during the Istanbul meeting.
Outlook: War Expands Even as Diplomacy Resurfaces
As Ukraine demonstrates its capacity to strike far into the Russian heartland and Russia retaliates with indiscriminate barrages, both nations arrive in Istanbul with maximum leverage — and maximum bloodshed.
With Ukraine’s new asymmetric reach and Russia’s sustained missile capacity, the stakes have never been higher. What was once a trench war in the Donbas has evolved into a long-range, full-spectrum confrontation with global consequences.
The coming week may reveal whether diplomacy can succeed — or whether this war is preparing for an even deadlier chapter.
