Ukraine Destroys Multiple Russian Strategic Bombers in Deep Drone Strikes

KYIV/MOSCOW – A major Ukrainian drone offensive over the weekend dealt a significant blow to Russia’s strategic air power, with satellite and drone imagery confirming the destruction or severe damage of several long-range bombers stationed deep inside Russian territory.

Using 117 unmanned aerial vehicles in a coordinated attack dubbed “Spider’s Web”, Ukraine targeted at least four air bases across Russia, striking aircraft at facilities located thousands of kilometers from the frontlines, including the Belaya air base in Irkutsk and Olenya airfield in Murmansk.

Satellite imagery from Capella Space, using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, captured the aftermath of the strike on Belaya air base on June 2. Though grainy, the image revealed debris of multiple aircraft along the runway and within protective revetments.

Open-source analysts from the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies and other intelligence groups confirmed the destruction of at least two Tu-22M Backfire bombers and several Tu-95 strategic bombers at the site. Drone footage shared on social media and verified by Reuters also showed multiple aircraft engulfed in flames.

“This is one of Ukraine’s most successful long-range operations in over three years of war,” said Brady Africk, an open-source intelligence analyst. “It’s clear that the attack on this airbase was very effective.”

Drone video from Olenya air base in Murmansk, verified by Reuters, showed at least two Tu-95s ablaze and a third struck by a massive explosion. Russia’s Defence Ministry acknowledged drone strikes in Murmansk and Irkutsk, admitting several aircraft caught fire.

While Moscow has launched a formal investigation, senior Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev warned that “retribution is inevitable.” The Kremlin has not yet publicly responded to Ukraine’s claim of responsibility or the full extent of the reported losses.

Ukraine’s domestic intelligence agency, the SBU, claimed 41 Russian warplanes were struck during the operation, estimating damage at $7 billion and asserting that 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers were hit. The Ukrainian military has updated its official count of Russia’s aircraft losses to reflect these strikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed the operation as “absolutely brilliant,” highlighting its unprecedented reach—up to 4,300 km (2,670 miles) from the frontlines.

Although experts say the damage will not completely halt Russia’s ability to launch missile attacks from strategic bombers, the loss of aging aircraft—many no longer in production—could significantly hinder Moscow’s air capabilities.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted that the scale and precision of the strikes are likely to force Russia to reevaluate and potentially redistribute its air defences across a wider territory, possibly including more mobile air defence systems.

Read more: Russia Presses Hard in Peace Talks as Ukraine Launches Bold Drone Strike

The drone campaign marks a dramatic escalation in Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory, showcasing both growing capability and resolve amid an intensifying war.