In a bold and unprecedented operation dubbed “Spiderweb,” Ukraine successfully launched a drone strike deep into Russian territory, targeting four military air bases. A total of 117 drones were smuggled by truck and deployed near the bases, including one in Siberia, about 2,500 miles from Ukraine’s borders.
While accounts differ on the extent of the damage, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that 40 Russian aircraft were hit—roughly a third of Russia’s strategic cruise missile fleet—inflicting an estimated $7 billion in losses, according to Ukraine’s Security Service.
Peace Talks Falter as Ukrainian Strike Exposes Russian Vulnerability and Diplomatic Divide
The strike came just one day before scheduled peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul. Ukraine sent its defense minister, Rustem Umerov, while Russia dispatched a relatively low-ranking official, Vladimir Medinsky, indicating minimal expectations for meaningful dialogue.
The talks ended with a limited agreement on prisoner exchanges, but little substantive progress was made. Zelenskyy emphasized the need to hear a full report from Umerov, highlighting that hopes for negotiation remain dim due to vast differences between the two sides’ positions.
Ukraine’s Deep Strike on Russian Bases Shakes Global Stage as Peace Hopes Fade and Tensions RiseInternational analysts widely viewed the operation as a serious embarrassment for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Western defense experts underscored how vulnerable Russian forces remain, despite Moscow’s battlefield gains. Sven Biscop of the Egmont Institute noted it was astonishing that such a significant portion of Russia’s bomber force could be neutralized in a single attack. Although the strike may not shift the overall trajectory of the war, it underscores the high cost of Russia’s ongoing campaign.
Escalation, Retaliation, and U.S. Dilemma Amid Rising Tensions and Global Stakes
Following the drone strike, Russia escalated its attacks on Ukrainian cities, launching hundreds of drones and missiles overnight, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. Pro-Kremlin commentators labeled the Ukrainian operation as Russia’s “Pearl Harbor,” with some advocating for severe retaliatory measures, including nuclear strikes—a recurring threat from Moscow since the invasion began. The intensity of Russia’s response appears to reflect both strategic frustration and political humiliation.
The operation and subsequent fallout have broader geopolitical implications, especially concerning the role of the United States. Observers believe Moscow will pressure Washington to restrain Ukraine to prevent further damage to Russia’s long-range strike capabilities.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, now brokering the talks, has adopted a more conciliatory stance toward Russia compared to his predecessor, sparking concerns among allies. His threats to abandon peace negotiations if progress stalls add another layer of uncertainty to the already volatile situation.