The surprise attack of 117 drones, the planning behind the downing of 40 Russian aircraft
'Operation Spider's Web' was greenlighted precisely a year and six months ago. Ever since then, preparations have been underway for a year and a half. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky himself spilled the beans about the strategy.
Major Drone Attack on Oleny Airbase in Irkutsk
Ukraine conducted a significant drone attack on the Oleny airbase close to the Sredny settlement in Russia's Irkutsk province on Sunday. Three other airbases were also attacked. The planes attacked in a targeted way, striking military aircraft. Over 40 Russian military planes were destroyed. Ukraine's Internal Security Service (SBU) announced that the planes that were destroyed included a Tu-95 and a Tu-22. Both are fighter bombers, normally employed to fire long-range missiles. The Ukrainian president welcomed the Ukrainian military shortly after the attack.
Zelensky Confirms 'Spider Web' Operation
Zelensky revealed that the clandestine operation was code-named 'Spider Web'. Ukraine employed a total of 117 drones to target missile-carrying planes at the Olenia, Belaya, and Ivanovo and Diaghilev air bases in the east of Moscow.
Operation Planned for 18 Months
Zelensky indicated that he had sanctioned the operation approximately a year and half ago. Ever since, ongoing preparations have been underway. That plan has already been executed. Not just that, Ukraine has successfully destroyed over 40 Russian military aircraft. But the Ukrainian president explained that only military targets were targeted. Due to that, local residents had to be evacuated from the area to safe locations before the operation. But, just moments before the attack, the intelligence sources indicated that Russia was also planning an independent attack. This is why Ukraine made a rash decision to attack.
Tensions Rise Before Peace Talks in Istanbul
The Ukrainian attack, one day prior to peace negotiations between Moscow and Kiev in Istanbul, has altered the balance. On the other hand, Russia also struck back on the same day by targeting a Ukrainian military base. In that attack, 12 Ukrainian fighters were said to have been killed.
