SSU conducts historic special operation in Russia’s rear: Details from Maliuk

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) carried out an unprecedented and groundbreaking operation, simultaneously targeting four military airfields in Russia’s rear where enemy aviation is based. As a result of the drone strikes, 41 aircraft were hit, including A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160.

This was reported by Head of the SSU, Lieutenant General Vasyl Maliuk.

“The destruction of enemy bombers is a task set before us by the President of Ukraine, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He personally oversaw the progress of the special operation, which was prepared by SBU personnel. The enemy bombed our country from these aircraft almost every night, and today they felt in practice that "retribution is inevitable." The SSU is doing and will continue to do everything possible to protect Ukraine and stop Russian attacks,” Maliuk emphasized.

The SSU Head led the team that prepared Operation “Spider's Web” for over a year and a half.

As a result, SSU drones struck targets at four Russian military airfields — “Belaya,” “Dyagilevo,” “Olenya,” and “Ivanovo” —  successfully hitting the largest number of enemy aircraft in a single operation.

“This represents the destruction of 34% of the strategic cruise missile carriers at Russia’s main airbases. It was not just a devastating blow to enemy aviation but a serious slap to the might and terrorist essence of Russia,” Maliuk stressed.

The estimated cost of the damaged enemy strategic aviation exceeds $7 billion USD.

According to Vasyl Maliuk, Operation “Spider's Web” was conducted simultaneously across three time zones and was extremely complex from a logistical perspective.

Initially, the SSU transported FPV drones to Russia, followed by mobile wooden structures. Once in Russia, the drones were concealed under the roofs of these structures, which were mounted on trucks. At the designated moment, the roofs were remotely opened, and the drones took off to strike their targets — Russian bombers.

“In accordance with the laws and customs of war, we targeted absolutely legitimate objectives — military airfields and aircraft that bomb our peaceful cities. Thus, we are carrying out real demilitarization of Russia, as we are destroying military targets. Our strikes will continue as long as Russia terrorizes Ukrainians with missiles and Shaheds,” Maliuk emphasizes.

He thanked all SSU personnel involved in this historic operation, noting that all participants have long since returned to Ukraine.

“The enemy thought it could bomb Ukraine and kill Ukrainians with impunity and endlessly. But that’s not the case. We will respond to Russian terror and destroy the enemy everywhere — on sea, in the air, and on land. And if necessary, we will reach them from underground,” the SSU Head stressed.