Russia Vows to Repair Warplanes Damaged in Ukraine’s Audacious Drone Strike
Russia repair warplanes Ukraine executed its largest long-range drone attack of the Russo-Ukrainian War, codenamed “Spider’s Web,” targeting Russian air bases hosting nuclear-capable strategic bombers. The operation, meticulously planned over 18 months by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), struck at least four airfields—Belaya in Irkutsk, Olenya in Murmansk, Dyagilevo in Ryazan, and Ivanovo-Severny—destroying or damaging up to 20 Russian warplanes, including Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and A-50 aircraft, according to U.S. assessments. Ukrainian officials claimed 41 aircraft were hit, with damages estimated at $7 billion.
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, on June 5, 2025, insisted the planes were “not destroyed but damaged” and will be repaired, though experts question the feasibility due to the age of Soviet-era aircraft and Western sanctions limiting access to parts. The attack, timed just before peace talks in Istanbul, underscored Ukraine’s growing drone warfare capabilities and dealt a significant blow to Russia’s strategic aviation.
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Russia has announced plans to repair warplanes damaged in a sophisticated Ukrainian drone attack on June 1, 2025, which targeted key air bases deep within its territory. The operation, dubbed “Spider’s Web” by Ukraine’s SBU, struck strategic bombers critical to Russia’s long-range strike capabilities, prompting a strong response from Moscow. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS, “The equipment in question was not destroyed but damaged. It will be restored.” However, the feasibility of these repairs remains uncertain, given the complexity of the aircraft and Russia’s limited manufacturing capacity.
Details of Ukraine’s Drone Attack
The Ukrainian operation was unprecedented in scope, targeting airfields in Belaya (Irkutsk, 4,300 km from the front), Olenya (Murmansk), Dyagilevo (Ryazan), and Ivanovo-Severny. Using 117 first-person-view (FPV) drones smuggled into Russia via trucks and hidden in mobile cabins, the SBU executed what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called an “absolutely brilliant” strike. Satellite imagery from Maxar and Capella Space confirmed significant damage at Belaya, with at least three Tu-95MS and four Tu-22M3 bombers destroyed, some loaded with Kh-101 cruise missiles. Olenya saw at least three Tu-95MS and one An-12 cargo plane hit, with burn marks visible on the tarmac.
Ukrainian officials initially claimed 41 aircraft were struck, including 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers, with damages worth $7 billion. U.S. officials, however, estimate up to 20 planes were hit, with around 10 destroyed, a figure half of Ukraine’s claim. Andriy Kovalenko, from Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, confirmed at least 13 aircraft were destroyed, including Tu-95s, Tu-22M3s, and possibly an A-50 surveillance plane.
Russia’s Response and Repair Challenges
Russia’s Defense Ministry acknowledged fires at Belaya and Olenya but claimed attacks on Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur were repelled, with fires extinguished and no casualties reported. Ryabkov’s assertion that the aircraft will be repaired has drawn skepticism. The Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, designed in the Soviet era, are no longer in production, and Russia relies on upgrading existing airframes. Western sanctions have restricted access to critical components, complicating repairs. Yuriy Ihnat, a Ukrainian Air Force spokesman, noted that while some planes may be repairable, others are likely damaged beyond use and will remain out of service for a long time.
Russian military bloggers criticized the Defense Ministry for failing to protect these assets, with some comparing the attack to Pearl Harbor, though others downplayed the damage, estimating 13 planes affected. The Kremlin has launched an investigation, and Dmitry Medvedev, a top security official, vowed “retribution is inevitable.” President Vladimir Putin, in a call with U.S. President Donald Trump on June 4, warned of a response, citing the attack on Russia’s nuclear triad as a red line.
Strategic and Symbolic Impact
The attack targeted Russia’s strategic bombers—Tu-95s, Tu-22M3s, and Tu-160s—which form a key part of its nuclear triad and have been used to launch cruise missile strikes on Ukraine. Losing even a fraction of these aircraft, estimated at 50–60 Tu-22M3s and slightly over 60 Tu-95s before the strike, is a significant blow, as replacements are not feasible. The operation also showcased Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russia, with drones launched from trucks near the targets, bypassing air defenses.
The timing, just before peace talks in Istanbul on June 2, amplified the attack’s propaganda value, boosting Ukrainian morale amid Russian battlefield pressure. Zelenskyy praised the SBU, emphasizing priorities like a ceasefire and prisoner releases. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some mocking Russia’s repair claims—“Just rewind it with some insulating tape”—while others highlight the escalating tensions.
Can Russia Repair the Damage?
Repairing sophisticated aircraft like the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 requires advanced components and expertise, both constrained by sanctions and the age of the fleet. Analysts like Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute called the attack a “stunning success,” noting its impact on Russia’s ability to launch large-scale missile salvos. The loss of even a few bombers could force Russia to adjust its air operations, especially as bases like Olenya and Belaya are now vulnerable. New security protocols, including truck inspections, are already disrupting Russian logistics.
As Russia vows to restore its fleet, the attack underscores Ukraine’s evolving drone warfare strategy, challenging Moscow’s air superiority and signaling that no target is beyond reach. The outcome of Russia’s repair efforts and the Istanbul talks will shape the next phase of this conflict.
Suggested Authoritative Sources
- Reuters: For U.S. assessments and Russian repair claims.
- The New York Times: For detailed analysis of the attack’s strategic impact.
- BBC News: For Ukraine’s claims and Russian responses.
- CNN: For verified footage and satellite imagery analysis.
- The War Zone (TWZ): For in alia-depth military technology insights.