Ukraine’s weekend drone assault struck fewer Russian aircraft than initially claimed, according to U.S. intelligence, but still marked one of the most damaging attacks deep into Russian territory since the war began.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said 41 aircraft were hit and that half were beyond repair. However, U.S. officials told Reuters that about 10 planes were destroyed and up to 20 were damaged in total. The Pentagon was not given advance notice of the operation, which was codenamed “Spider’s Web” and involved 117 drones targeting four airbases across Russia.

Strategic Bombers Among Targets

The strikes hit nuclear-capable Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers and at least two rare A-50 airborne early-warning aircraft. Satellite imagery confirmed damage at the Belaya airbase, among others. The operation struck sites up to 4,300 km from Ukraine's front lines.

Kyiv’s security service estimated the operation caused $7 billion in damage and claimed it hit 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carrier fleet.

Escalation Warnings from Moscow and Trump

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been pressing both sides to negotiate, said President Vladimir Putin warned in a phone call that Russia “would have to respond” to the drone raids.