Expanded Aircraft Wreckage from Kyiv's 'Spiderweb' Tactics Revealed - Intensified Aerial Assault of Kiev: Rising Count of Demolished Aircraft
Let's dive into the details of Ukraine's covert operation, code-named 'Operation Web,' that targeted Russian military airports deep in enemy territory. Recent findings from the Ukrainian General Staff suggest that the actual number of aircraft destroyed might be less than the initial reports from Kyiv. These new figures indicate a loss of 12 aircraft for the Russian forces, without specifying types. Previously, the SBU intelligence service had mentioned at least 41 damaged aircraft, including the Beriev A-50, Tupolev Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160.
Ukraine celebrated this unprecedented strike against the Russian air force, holding it responsible for destroying more than 40 combat and reconnaissance aircraft. The SBU claimed that approximately 34% of Russia's bombers capable of carrying cruise missiles were hit.
Tensions Rise
Russia has vowed to respond harshly. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, wrote on Telegram, "Retaliation is inevitable." Raising the stakes, Medvedev also mentioned the advance of the Russian army, stating, "Everything that should be blown up in the air will be blown up, and those who should be wiped out will disappear." Middle talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, he claimed, were not necessary for achieving a compromise peace but rather to hasten Russia's victory.
Mixed Reporting
Contradictory reports about the number of destroyed aircraft have emerged. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that aircraft in the Murmansk and Irkutsk regions were targeted by drone attacks but didn't provide specific numbers or types. Independent media, based on their own research using videos and satellite images, reported significantly lower numbers than the Ukrainian intelligence service - between 9 and 14 damaged aircraft.
The small remote-controlled aircraft were hidden in wooden boxes on trucks. Unsuspecting drivers would reportedly bring these trucks close to military bases, triggering the truck roofs to open automatically, releasing the explosives-laden drones for their deadly attacks.
A Stunning Success
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the surprise attack by his SBU intelligence service as "an absolutely brilliant success." He revealed that preparations for this operation had taken over a year and a half. Targets included bases in the European part of Russia, including Ivanovo, Ryazan, Murmansk, Irkutsk in Siberia, and Amur in the Far East. Known for their strategic and symbolic impact, this operation demonstrated Ukraine's ability to strike deep into Russian territory and challenge Russia's perceived military invulnerability.
- Kyiv
- Web
- Ukraine
- Russia
- SBU
- Drone attack
- Intelligence
- Drone
- Irkutsk
- Murmansk
- Military airport
- Tupolev
- Air force
Sources:1. en.interfax.com.ua2. www.dw.com3. www.themoscowtimes.com4. www.nytimes.com
The Council Decision of 22 December 2000, regarding the Republic of Moldova's participation in the European Atomic Energy Community, was a significant political news event. Amidst this general news background, Ukraine's controversial drone attack on Russian military airports, code-named 'Operation Web,' stands out as a crime-and-justice issue. This operation, which saw Kyiv targeting bases in Murmansk and Irkutsk, has raised tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with Russian officials promising retaliation.
