Foreign Affairs

TexasTowelie

(121,290 posts) Wed Jun 4, 2025, 02:09 PM Jun 4

Putin Flabbergasted! Russian Nuclear Triad Dismantled! - RFU News

Today, there is an interesting update from the Russian Federation.

Here, Ukraine conducted a sophisticated military operation, checkmating Russian security services and dealing a deadly blow to Russian strategic aviation. After remotely sending swarms of drones using regular trucks as launching platforms, the Ukrainians successfully destroyed dozens of strategic planes that Russia can no longer produce, crippling Russia’s offensive capabilities for decades.

The groundbreaking Operation, codenamed Spiderweb, is a meticulously planned drone assault deep within Russian territory, marking one of the most complex special operations in modern military history. After an extensive preparation lasting over 18 months, the Ukrainian Security Service launched 117 drones from concealed positions across Russia, striking five key airbases simultaneously. The goal was clear, to neutralize the Russian strategic bomber fleet responsible for daily missile and bomb strikes on Ukrainian cities and key infrastructure.

Operational logistics showcased exceptional ingenuity. Ukrainian operatives covertly smuggled FPV drones into Russia. Storing them in warehouses, the drones were assembled and placed in specially designed mobile wooden cabins mounted on rented trucks. These vehicles were then parked by regular drivers near each targeted airbase, which enabled the swift deployment of the drones when their roofs were remotely opened. Notably, President Volodymyr Zelensky personally oversaw the execution, underscoring the operation's strategic importance. Zelensky emphasized the audacity of the operation by revealing that one of Ukraine's operational headquarters was located adjacent to a local Russian FSB department, highlighting an embarrassing intelligence failure for Russia. Interestingly, one of the alleged warehouses is right along the border with Kazakhstan, indicating that Ukrainians routed their drone assembly at least partially through third countries like Kazakhstan. This further implies that Ukrainian intelligence services have established bases not only inside Russia but also surrounding it.

Among the targeted airbases was Olenya, located near Murmansk, 2,000 kilometers away from Ukraine. This facility hosted strategic nuclear-capable bombers, including Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft. At least ten explosions were reported here, with drones accurately targeting fuel storage and strategic aircraft. Belaya airbase in Irkutsk Oblast was similarly struck, marking Ukraine's first significant military action in Siberia, more than 5,000 kilometers away from the frontline. The site, home to numerous Tu-22M3 bombers and various fighter aircraft, suffered substantial damage, with satellite images confirming at least seven aircraft destroyed or severely damaged.

Dyagilevo airbase near Ryazan experienced seven documented explosions affecting its Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 aircraft. The Ivanovo Severny airbase was also targeted, with reports suggesting the destruction of an A-50 AWACS radar aircraft. This is a critical blow to Russia’s surveillance capabilities, with half of the Russian AWACS fleet now being destroyed, as Ukrainians previously destroyed 2 of the six other aircraft. They cannot be replaced by the Russians due to a shortage of key components, increasingly lowering the Russian ability to monitor and operate in both friendly and enemy airspace. A Russian airbase in the Amur region was also targeted and even though the strike was reported as unsuccessful at first, satellite data showed later that a Tu-95 plane was destroyed.

The magnitude and sophistication of Operation Spiderweb prompted vehement reactions from Russian military analysts, who described the strike as highly impactful and criticized attempts by Russian state channels to downplay the damage. They condemned Russia's inadequate air defenses, insufficient protective infrastructure, and counterintelligence failures that facilitated Ukraine’s devastating attack. As a rare exception to the usual immunity of criticism, prominent Russian military bloggers openly criticized Putin for the failures.

To ensure the safe extraction of its operatives and to divert Russian attention, Ukraine orchestrated multiple simultaneous sabotage operations. Before the drone strikes, four railway bridges were blown up, two in Bryansk Oblast, one in Kursk Oblast, and another in Melitopol, creating widespread panic and diverting Russia's security apparatus toward railway infrastructure. With trains travelling over the tracks as the bridges exploded, this panic and chaos only spread further. Additionally, a strong explosion followed by secondary detonations rocked Severomorsk, the administrative base of Russia’s Northern Fleet, adding further confusion. Ukrainian security officials stressed that all participants involved had returned...