The first day of summer delivered a shock to Russia’s military establishment, as drones struck deep into the country’s rear for the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. The city of Usolye-Sibirskoye in Irkutsk region was hit in what local governor Igor Kobzev confirmed as the first drone attack in Siberia, targeting a military base in the nearby settlement of Sredniy.
Russian Telegram channels reported a coordinated strike on at least four military airfields, including one near Olenegorsk in Murmansk region — home to Russia’s Tu-95 strategic bombers. According to various sources, the drones may have been launched from inside cargo trucks parked near military targets. Some drivers may have been unaware of what they were transporting. One such driver in Olenegorsk has been detained and is being questioned.
The strikes dealt a serious blow to Russia’s strategic aviation. Russian military bloggers, including Mikhail Zvinchuk (aka “Rybar”), reported the loss of several Tu-95M aircraft, noting that these bombers have long been out of production and are irreplaceable. The planes were allegedly left parked in the open with no protection, despite previous attacks.
Drones also struck Ryazan region, damaging a residential building with debris, according to governor Pavel Malkov. Air raid warnings were reported in Rostov, Voronezh, and Ivanovo regions as well.
According to the BBC, the operation — codenamed “Spiderweb” — was personally overseen by Ukraine’s Security Service chief Vasyl Maliuk. Ukrainian media report that the main targets were key military facilities, especially strategic airbases.
The attacks occurred less than 24 hours before planned Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul on June 2.