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Ukraine’s security service (SBU) announced in a statement released in the afternoon that numerous Russian strategic bombers are "burning en masse," confirming that Ukraine is carrying out a "large-scale special operation" targeting enemy bomber aircraft. The SBU claims that over 40 aircraft have been struck.
Social media footage widely circulating appears to show several heavy bombers engulfed in flames at an undisclosed location.
According to Ukrainian media reports, the mission—codenamed "Spiderweb" (Pavutyna)—has been in development for a year and a half and focused on four airbases across Russia: Dyagilevo in the Ryazan region, Ivanovo in the Ivanovo region, Belaya in Irkutsk (in southeastern Siberia, over 4,000 km from the frontline), and Olenya in Murmansk, approximately 2,000 km from Ukraine's border.
Reports suggest the operation involved covertly transporting drones deep into Russian territory, hiding them, and later activating them remotely.
Back in March, Ukraine revealed it had created a new long-range drone capable of flying up to 3,000 kilometers, though it withheld details on its specifications or payload.
Recent satellite imagery indicates that various types of Russian strategic aircraft were present at the targeted airbases, including Tu-95, Tu-22M3, Tu-160 bombers, and A-50 radar planes.
These aircraft—especially the Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160—are frequently used by Russia to launch missile strikes against Ukraine. The Tu-22M3, for example, can carry Kh-22 and Kh-32 cruise missiles and travel at speeds exceeding Mach 4 (up to 4,000 km/h). The Tu-95, a Cold War-era design, was originally intended for nuclear weapons delivery but has been adapted to fire cruise missiles. The A-50 is an airborne early warning aircraft capable of detecting enemy air defenses, missiles, and guiding Russian fighter jets to their targets.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he was holding meetings with the Defense and Foreign Ministries, as well as the General Staff and SBU.
“We are doing everything to defend our independence, our state, and our people,” Zelenskyy said. He added that they would be setting short-term goals and finalizing Ukraine’s stance ahead of scheduled talks in Istanbul on Monday.
Ukrainian and Russian representatives are due to meet in Istanbul on 2 June for a second round of negotiations. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine's top priorities are achieving an unconditional ceasefire, securing the release of prisoners, and ensuring the return of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to Russia.
