Analysis of satellite imagery confirms the destruction of at least 13 Russian military aircraft at Belaya and Olenya air bases following a June 1st Ukrainian drone strike. The attack, codenamed “Spider Web,” involved 117 FPV drones targeting five airfields across three time zones, resulting in the loss of eight Tu-95 and four Tu-22M3 bombers, among other aircraft. This represents a significant blow to Russia’s strategic aviation capabilities, given that these bomber models are no longer in production. The estimated cost of the destroyed aircraft is approximately $7 billion.
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A surprise Ukrainian drone attack on Russian airfields, resulting in the destruction of over 40 planes, was conducted without US involvement. President Trump, who recently criticized Putin and considered lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s war effort, was unaware of the operation. Following the attack, Secretary Rubio spoke with Lavrov, reiterating Trump’s call for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine. Pro-Ukraine Republicans praised the Ukrainian operation, highlighting its strategic targeting of Russian military assets. The attack comes amid a US Senate push for stronger sanctions against Russia.
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A large-scale Ukrainian drone operation, codenamed “Spiderweb,” targeted four Russian airfields, reportedly destroying over 40 aircraft, including strategic bombers, with a combined value of $7 billion. Drones were smuggled into Russia and concealed in wooden sheds before launching their attacks from locations near the airbases. This unprecedented attack, overseen by President Zelenskyy, occurred amidst escalating cross-border activity and precedes a new round of peace talks in Istanbul.
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Ukraine launched a massive drone strike on several Russian air bases deep inside Russian territory, resulting in significant damage and losses for the Russian military. The scale of the operation is astonishing, with reports suggesting that around forty Russian military aircraft, including strategic bombers, were hit. The sheer number of aircraft damaged or destroyed represents a substantial blow to Russia’s air power, estimated to be worth around $10 billion. Replacing these aircraft will be a monumental task, both in terms of time and resources, considering the current sanctions and supply chain issues faced by Russia.
The audacity of the attack itself is striking.… Continue reading
On May 6-7, Ukrainian Security Service drones successfully targeted two crucial Russian defense industry plants: the Bazalt plant in Moscow Oblast, and the Splav plant in Tula. These strikes, resulting in explosions and fires at both locations, disrupted production of arms and multiple launch rocket systems. The attacks triggered the closure of Moscow Oblast airports under Russia’s “Kovyor” plan, causing widespread flight cancellations. The Ukrainian source emphasized the targeting of military infrastructure in contrast to Russia’s attacks on civilian areas.
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Recent large-scale Ukrainian drone strikes targeted multiple Russian cities, including Moscow, impacting oil refineries and military airfields. A significant blow was the attack on a Druzhba pipeline control station, halting oil exports to Central Europe, particularly Hungary, and causing Hungary’s foreign minister to deem it an attack on their sovereignty. This disruption underscores Russia’s reliance on energy exports and its influence over Hungary’s energy sector. Continued Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure could further pressure Russia to negotiate a ceasefire.
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The escalating conflict in Ukraine features a notable drone warfare trend: Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian drone factories. A recent attack targeted a facility near Moscow, extending the range of Ukrainian deep strikes and aiming to disrupt Russian drone production. This follows an earlier strike on a factory in Yelabuga, highlighting a strategic effort to counter Russia’s attempts to match Ukraine’s drone superiority. The Ukrainian strategy aims to maintain its crucial advantage in drone technology and deployment, impacting the battlefield dynamics significantly.
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In the early hours of February 26th, Ukrainian forces launched a coordinated drone strike targeting strategic Russian infrastructure. The operation, involving the AFU and HUR, successfully hit the Tuapse Oil Refinery in Krasnodar, causing significant damage and disrupting oil exports crucial to funding the Russian war effort. Simultaneously, military airfields in occupied Crimea were also attacked. These actions coincided with a large-scale Russian drone attack on Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties.
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Ukrainian drone strikes have reportedly triggered fires at several major oil and gas facilities within Russia. This development underscores the escalating conflict and the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by Ukraine in its resistance against the ongoing invasion. The fires, ignited by falling drone debris, highlight the vulnerability of Russia’s critical infrastructure, despite its vast size and military capabilities.
The targeting of oil refineries, specifically the distillation columns—those tall, distinctive towers crucial to the refining process—suggests a strategic approach. These columns are not easily replaced, and their destruction could significantly impact Russia’s oil production and refining capacity. The inability to easily manufacture replacements domestically further exacerbates the situation for Russia, potentially hindering their war effort and economic stability.… Continue reading
Recent Ukrainian drone strikes on three major Russian oil refineries, including those operated by Lukoil and Rosneft, have raised concerns about Russia’s fuel production capacity. While the Ryazan refinery has reportedly ceased operations, experts believe Russia can currently manage these disruptions by increasing output elsewhere. These attacks, part of a broader Ukrainian campaign targeting Russian infrastructure, aim to hinder military supplies and reduce oil exports. However, assessing the full impact is difficult due to limited public information and Russia’s continued success in redirecting oil exports to Asian markets.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood