Ukraine claims massive drone strike on Russian bombers in ‘Spiderweb’ operation

Ukraine’s Security Service claims to have struck more than 40 Russian bombers deep inside Russian territory, in what would be one of the largest and most audacious attacks on Russian territory in the yearslong conflict.

A source within the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told NBC News that the country targeted “41 strategic Russian aircraft” in an offensive operation code-named “Spiderweb.”

The source also released dramatic video purportedly showing a drone attack at the Belaya air base in Russia’s Irkutsk region, located in Siberia, nearly 3,000 miles from Ukraine. The footage captures bombers under attack, with explosions visible and smoke rising from the scene.

“Preliminary estimates indicate that enemy aviation has suffered over $2 billion in damage,” the source said. “Enemy strategic bombers are burning en masse in Russia.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not directly address the bombing, but said Sunday on X that Ukraine was “doing everything to protect our independence, our state, and our people,” after saying he had received updates from intelligence agencies and the SBU.

Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, posted an emoji of a spiderweb on Sunday, seemingly referencing the name of the massive drone operation.

The remarkable attack was in the works for over a year and a half, the source inside the SBU told NBC News. The SBU first smuggled drones into Russia, followed by mobile wooden cabins. Once inside Russia, the drones were hidden under cabin roofs mounted on cargo trucks. During the attack, the roofs opened remotely, enabling the drones to launch at Russian bombers, according to the source, who added that the operation was overseen by Zelenskyy and executed by the country’s Security Service.

NBC News could not independently verify the claims.

Russia did not immediately comment on the bombings, but Irkutsk’s regional governor, Igor Kobzev, said on Telegram that there had been a drone attack “on a military unit in the settlement of Sredny.”

He did not say whether the Belaya air base or others were hit, but said the drone was launched from a truck.

Russian officials in the Ryazan and Murmansk regions also reported drone activity on Sunday afternoon, according to The Associated Press, but did not give further details.

The attack follows a night of bombardment, with Russia launching 472 drones, Ukraine’s air force said. Earlier Sunday, Ukraine’s army said a Russian missile strike on an army training unit killed at least 12 Ukrainian service members and injured 60.

The latest escalation comes just a day before Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to meet for a second round of direct talks in Istanbul.

Zelenskyy appeared to confirm Kyiv’s participation on Sunday, saying on X that he had “outlined the tasks for the near term and also defined our positions ahead of the meeting in Istanbul on Monday.”

“First — a full and unconditional ceasefire. Second — the release of prisoners. Third — the return of abducted children,” he said.

On Saturday night, two bridges collapsed in Russian regions bordering Ukraine, killing seven and injuring dozens. Russian officials alleged deliberate sabotage.

The first collapse occurred late Saturday in Bryansk, crashing onto railway tracks and derailing an approaching train, according to Gov. Alexander Bogomaz.

“Unfortunately, there are seven fatalities,” he posted on Telegram, later adding that 47 people had been hospitalized.

Hours later in the Kursk region, a railway bridge collapsed while a freight train was crossing it, according to acting Gov. Alexander Khinshtein.

NBC News could not independently verify either incident. Ukraine has not commented.