Ukraine’s Drone Offensive: How Kyiv is Reshaping Modern Warfare Against Russia

Khoshnaw Rahmani, JadeTimes Staff

K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Ukraine-Russia war.

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Image Source: Inna Varenytsia

Ukraine’s Largest Drone Attack on Russian Airbases

On June 1, 2025, Ukraine launched Operation Spider’s Web, a covert drone offensive targeting five Russian military airbases deep inside Russian territory. This unprecedented attack struck strategic locations, including Belaya, Dyagilevo, Ivanovo, Olenya, and Ukrainka airbases, damaging or destroying over 40 Russian warplanes, including nuclear-capable bombers.

The operation, hailed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “absolutely brilliant,” showcased Kyiv’s growing capabilities in long-range drone warfare. The drones, reportedly smuggled into Russia and hidden in wooden sheds, were launched from concealed platforms, catching Russian defenses off guard.

The Evolution of Drone Warfare in Ukraine

From Tactical Strikes to Strategic Operations

Ukraine has consistently used drones throughout the war, targeting oil refineries, military bases, and arms depots. However, the June 1 offensive marked a new phase in drone warfare, employing smaller, cheaper kamikaze drones launched from inside Russian territory, bypassing traditional air defenses.

Key Military Targets and Damage Assessment

• Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers—critical components of Russia’s long-range strike capabilities—were destroyed or severely damaged.

• Satellite imagery confirmed extensive damage at multiple airbases, with burning aircraft and wreckage visible.

• Russia acknowledged the attack, but insisted that some aircraft could be repaired.

How Ukraine Executed the Attack

Covert Drone Deployment

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) orchestrated the operation, smuggling FPV drones into Russia using trucks disguised as civilian transport. The drones were hidden in wooden sheds, with retractable roofs allowing for stealth launches.

Strategic Targeting

The attack focused on Russia’s Long-Range Aviation assets, aiming to cripple Moscow’s ability to launch airstrikes on Ukraine. The Belaya airbase, located 4,300 km from Ukraine, was the furthest target hit, demonstrating Ukraine’s expanding reach.

Russia’s Response and Retaliation

Massive Counterattack on Ukraine

In retaliation, Russia launched over 400 drones and 44 ballistic missiles at Kyiv and Kharkiv, causing significant civilian casualties. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 250 aerial threats, but the scale of the attack was described as unprecedented.

Diplomatic Fallout

• The U.S. quietly adjusted its stance, signaling a weaker approach to Russia sanctions.

• European nations strengthened their support for Ukraine, forming the Weimar+ alliance to coordinate defense strategies.

• Ukraine postponed elections, citing the need for national unity amid escalating conflict.

The Future of Drone Warfare

Ukraine’s Growing Drone Arsenal

Ukraine continues to develop long-range drones, with reports of new models capable of reaching 3,000 km. The success of Operation Spider’s Web suggests that future drone offensives could further disrupt Russian military operations.

Global Implications

• Other nations are studying Ukraine’s tactics, potentially reshaping modern warfare strategies.

• Russia may escalate its countermeasures, increasing electronic warfare defenses against drones.

• The conflict is entering a new phase, where unmanned aerial systems play a decisive role.

A Defining Moment in Modern Warfare

Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web marks a turning point in military strategy, proving that drones can bypass traditional defenses and strike deep into enemy territory. As Kyiv refines its drone capabilities, the war’s dynamics continue to shift, with long-range unmanned attacks becoming a central feature of modern conflict.