Threat from the skies: SBU released unique footage of the large-scale operation “Web,” which destroyed over ten Russian strategic aircraft
In the shadow of an orange dawn, when the world was closely watching the development of emergency events, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) carried out one of the most impressive and complex special operations in modern military history. Official Kyiv has released the first footage of the unique operation codenamed "Web," which became a vivid demonstration of Ukraine’s ability to deliver precise strikes on the most critical military infrastructure of the aggressor country — Russian strategic aviation. According to SBU representatives, this extensive operation involved the destruction of 41 high-tech military aircraft belonging to Russia’s strategic air force, which was used for shelling Ukrainian cities and strategic facilities across Ukraine. These footage not only attest to the high level of preparation of Ukrainian intelligence agencies but also demonstrate a new level of technological advancement that has crystallized during the conflict. Reports indicate that the operation was conducted under the personal supervision of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with Vasyl Maliuk, the head of the SBU, leading the special operation. Maliuk and his team of specialists employed advanced drone technologies — FPV (First Person View), capable of operating even if communication with the command center is lost. These drones followed pre-planned routes, utilizing artificial intelligence for autonomous operation in case of signal loss, and upon approaching the target, they would automatically detonate their warheads, accurately hitting strategic enemy facilities. The footage released by the SBU vividly demonstrates strikes on four Russian airfields, notably "Olya," "Ivanovo," "Dyagilevo," and "Belya," where Russian strategic bombers were based — the aircraft regularly used for attacks on Ukrainian territories. It is important to note that these airfields form the core of Russia’s strategic aviation system, the pressure on which has become a key component of the ongoing war. The targeted aircraft, of the highest weight and technological complexity, included "A-50," "Tupolev-95," "Tupolev-22," "Tupolev-160," as well as auxiliary equipment such as "An-12" and "Il-78." According to official sources, most of these were destroyed irreparably, dealing a serious blow to Russia’s strategic air base. Some targets were so severely damaged that years will be needed for their repair and restoration. The SBU estimates that the value of the destroyed equipment exceeds 7 billion USD, highlighting the scale of losses inflicted on Russia’s military machinery. Such damage has far-reaching consequences for the strategic capabilities of the aggressor country and serves as a clear signal of Ukraine’s ability to intercept and destroy even the most complex military objects. In addition to using aviation, the "Web" operation has become the first in history to widely employ autonomous control systems for drones equipped with artificial intelligence, significantly complicating Russia’s ability to defend its aviation infrastructure. The cost of such drones is substantially lower than the targeted equipment, yet their effectiveness and accuracy in striking targets are unparalleled — and this is now impacting strategic balance of power. Background to the operation includes a large-scale special operation on June 1, when Ukrainian forces used FPV drones to strike four Russian airbases, including some of strategic importance for nuclear aviation deployment. The result was the destruction of over 40 strategic aircraft, representing nearly 34% of Russia’s aviation potential based at key positions for conducting the war. Recall the words of Vasyl Maliuk, head of the SBU, who stated that these strikes not only weakened Russia’s air power but also demonstrated a new tactical and technological era in Ukraine’s military operations. Following this, confidence grew that Ukraine’s ability to quickly and precisely strike targets is becoming one of the key factors for victory in this war. Summarizing, experts emphasize that the success of the "Web" operation is not only a strike against the enemy’s military infrastructure but also a symbol of a new era of modern warfare where technology plays a crucial role. Ukraine is demonstrating to the world that a high-tech approach and strategic planning can change the level of conflict and significantly strengthen the country’s defense capabilities. At the same time, these footage serve as a warning to any foes: Ukrainian intelligence agencies possess powerful and modern tools for combating future threats.