Daijiworld Media Network – Kyiv
Kyiv, Jun 2: In a bold and far-reaching move, Ukraine launched a massive drone strike deep into Russian territory on Sunday, targeting key military airbases across three time zones in what President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed as a ‘brilliant’ and ‘unique’ operation. The assault, code-named ‘Spider's Web’, involved 117 drones and reportedly damaged over 40 units of Russia’s strategic aviation.
Zelensky said the mission had been in the works for a year and a half, with every element meticulously planned. “It’s genuinely satisfying when something I authorized a year and six months ago comes to fruition,” he wrote on X, adding that those who assisted Kyiv were safely evacuated from Russia before the operation.
Among the targets were Russian airbases in Belaya (eastern Siberia), Olenya (near the Arctic), and the Dyagilevo and Ivanovo bases east of Moscow. The strike comes a day ahead of peace talks scheduled in Istanbul, aimed at ending the war that began in February 2022.
Kyiv’s move was reportedly in response to intelligence that Russia was preparing another wave of attacks, including Kalibr missile strikes from naval platforms and a fresh surge of nearly 500 drones.
“Each week they increase their strikes. We will defend ourselves by all means,” Zelensky said, urging Ukrainians to remain alert to air raid warnings.
Despite the escalation, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s openness to peace, stating that a US-proposed ceasefire has been on the table since March 11. “Not for a second did we want this war. But Russia has chosen to continue,” he said.
Meanwhile, two bridges collapsed in Russia’s Kursk and Bryansk regions on Sunday, killing at least seven. Russian investigators suspect explosions caused the collapses, further intensifying the already tense cross-border conflict.
US President Donald Trump has been mediating between the two nations, urging both sides to work towards an end to the war.