Moscow, June 1: In a dramatic escalation of its drone warfare campaign, Ukraine has reportedly carried out one of its most extensive unmanned aerial attacks on Russia, striking deep into eastern Siberia—thousands of kilometers from the frontlines.
The governor of Russia's Irkutsk region confirmed the assault, stating that Ukrainian drones targeted a military unit in the village of Sridni. This marks the first such drone strike recorded in Siberia.
According to Ukrainian media, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) conducted a large-scale special operation that hit more than 40 Russian military aircraft across several airbases located in the Russian interior. The targeted bases include Belaya in eastern Siberia, Olenya near the Arctic, and Ivanovo and Dyagilevo, both situated east of Moscow.
Sources cited by the Kyiv Independent claim that destroyed aircraft include strategic bombers such as the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, and at least one A-50 airborne early warning aircraft. AFP reported that fires broke out at some of the targeted locations, including Belaya airbase.
If confirmed, the operation—one of the most ambitious drone offensives to date—would mark a significant blow to Russia’s long-range strike capabilities.
Footage released by RT shows a drone hitting a military unit in the Irkutsk region. Russian authorities say emergency and military teams have been mobilized, and the launch points for the drones have reportedly been blocked.
Inside Operation "Pavutyna"
The covert strike, reportedly planned over the course of a year, was code-named “Pavutyna” or “Spider Web.” According to Ukrainian outlet Pravda, drones used in the mission were concealed inside mobile wooden structures placed on cargo trucks. At preselected times, the roofs of these trucks opened remotely, allowing drones to launch and hit their targets.
Ukraine has increasingly relied on its growing fleet of attack drones to counterbalance Russia's superior missile stockpile. The country has previously used similar tactics to hit oil depots and military installations across Russian territory. (With Agency Input)
