Security Service Conducts Surprise ‘Spider Web’ Operation

Ukraine’s Security Service, or SBU, has reported carrying out a meticulously planned, 18-month operation it called “Spider Web” that struck 41 Russian aircraft including strategic bombers across multiple locations deep inside Russian territory.

The operation surprised Russia and the world for its effectiveness, stealth, and operational details that were disclosed later.

The Security Service said in a statement, “The Security Service of Ukraine has executed a unique and unprecedented special operation, simultaneously targeting four military airfields deep within Russian territory, key bases for the enemy’s air power.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said planning for the operation was done over more than 18 months and involved the deployment of 117 drones launched from their hidden lairs inside trucks parked near Russian airfields. The trucks were then destroyed after the drones deployed.

Zelensky said, “What’s most interesting – and this can now be stated publicly – is that the ‘office’ of our operation on Russian territory was located directly next to FSB headquarters in one of their regions.” The FSB is the Russian intelligence and security service.

The attack operation’s working group was led by SBU Head Lt. Gen. Vasyl Maliuk.

The drones hit aircraft that included A-50 early warning and control aircraft, and Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 strategic bombers. Ukraine claimed that the operation resulted in the destruction of 34% of Russia’s fleet of missile carriers worth an estimated $7 billion.

The claim has not been independently verified, however Russia’s Defense Ministry did confirm the attacks and said aircraft were damaged and fires were ignited on air bases in the Irkutsk region. That area is more than 2,500 miles from Ukraine. Bases in the northern Murmansk region, Amur in the Far East, and Ivanovo and Ryazan in the western region were also hit.

FMI:  www.ukrainianworldcongress.org/