Ukraine’s SBU has launched a major drone offensive deep inside Russian territory, destroying over 40 strategic bombers in what officials describe as an unprecedented blow to Moscow’s airpower.

The SBU confirmed its role in a multi-phase special operation called Pavutina (“Web”), which involved precision drone strikes on Russian airfields housing key strategic aircraft. According to Ukrainian sources, over 40 Russian planes were struck, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers—used extensively in missile attacks on Ukrainian cities—and A-50 radar planes.

Videos verified by open-source analysts show fires raging at the “Belaya” and “Shaykovka” airbases. Ukrainian intelligence believes the damage inflicted has crossed $2 billion, significantly degrading Russia’s long-range strike capability.

Deep Strikes Into Russia's Rear

The strikes were conducted hundreds of kilometers inside Russian territory, signaling Ukraine's ability to bypass traditional air defenses. Targets included Engels-2, Mozdok, and Olenya airbases—critical nodes for Russia’s strategic aviation.

The operation was reportedly planned by the SBU’s elite counterintelligence teams and approved directly by SBU head Vasyl Malyuk. A source involved in the mission said: “We are destroying what Russia thought was untouchable.”

Strategic and Psychological Impact

The destruction of strategic bombers not only disrupts Russia’s ability to launch cruise missile attacks, but also strikes a psychological blow by demonstrating the vulnerability of its military rear. According to analysts, Russia has lost more strategic aircraft in this week alone than in any single month since the Cold War.

Moscow has not confirmed the full scale of losses but acknowledged “multiple incidents” at airbases and announced a tightening of internal air defense coordination.

Escalating Deep-Strike Capabilities

This operation marks a turning point in Ukraine’s warfighting strategy, moving from defensive drone use to high-value offensive strikes. It follows a series of attacks on oil depots, radar stations, and logistic hubs earlier this year. Experts suggest that Kyiv’s improving long-range drone arsenal and battlefield intelligence integration have enabled precision strikes once thought impossible.

Ukraine’s allies have not officially commented, though some reports suggest indirect support through ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) coordination.